His stats weren't exactly gaudy and at most times aren't, but Tommy Brenton was once again an integral part of yet another Stony Brook win, this one on road against Manhattan at Draddy Gym. (Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Stony Brook head coach Steve Pikiell's opening statement:
"I'm just glad we're done with this stretch. We played seven of eight games on the road, and we needed this win."
On winning the game without a double-figure scorer:
"It's been a long time, (since it last happened) but I like the winning part."
On Tommy Brenton (6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and what he means to the team:
"He's meant a great deal to us for the last five years. He's been in the starting lineup from day one...on his first day, he had 16 rebounds. I told him he was going to have to play 40 minutes today...I didn't keep my promise, but he was really good today. I couldn't take him out of the game."
On the keys to today's game:
"We needed some second shots and second chance putbacks. We thought we needed to get to the foul line, and we didn't. A big part of our game plan was to give Jameel (Warney) the ball in the post. In the second half, we were more composed and the right guys got fouled. Our guards can really make free throws."
On Jameel Warney (8 points, 6 rebounds) and his evolution as a freshman:
"He's seen everything in nonconference play, a 7-1 guy, (Maryland center Alex Len) a 300-pounder (Gene Teague) at Seton Hall. We're really excited moving forward into conference play because there's nothing he hasn't seen."
On his team's camaraderie:
"We've been really fortunate. We lost four really good players, and we just keep getting better. Being able to plug guys in when things get difficult makes us tough to guard."
On his players and how they are able to feed off one another:
"They really believe in themselves. They've got each other's backs, and I'm really proud of that."
Manhattan head coach Steve Masiello:
"The free throw line was the difference in the game. (Manhattan shot 8-of-20 at the stripe) I thought we took care of all the big areas to win the game, but we didn't do the little things. Stony Brook did a great job, give them all the credit. They're a team that could knock some people off in the NCAA Tournament. Steve Pikiell does a terrific job."
Nuggets of Note:
- Stony Brook's bench was a key contributor, outscoring the Manhattan reserves 23-9 on a day where the Jaspers' foul shooting plagued them immensely. Of the 8-for-20 effort at the charity stripe, Manhattan missed five consecutive free throws in a span of 43 seconds late in the second half, allowing Stony Brook to end the game on a 12-4 run.
- As mentioned before, Stony Brook did not have a double-figure scorer tonight, as three Seawolves (Jameel Warney, Anthony Mayo and Scott King) led the team with eight points each. Stony Brook got a balanced effort on both sides of the ball, as all but two players to take the court scored, and only King did not have a rebound on the afternoon.
- College basketball insider Jon Rothstein and I mentioned this many times throughout the day, and it cannot be overstated enough. Tommy Brenton is the ultimate "glue guy" for a team in that he may not always set the box score on fire, but everything the senior forward does breeds winning and success. Personally speaking, I would take fifteen of him in a heartbeat if I were a college coach.
- Finally, this was a pivotal game for both sides. Stony Brook concludes their nonconference schedule at 9-4 before opening the America East season on their home court at the Pritchard Center this Saturday against New Hampshire in a league where they should undoubtedly be the favorites to cut down the nets and advance to the NCAA Tournament. While the Seawolves celebrate this big victory, Manhattan falls to 3-9. The Jaspers, already without George Beamon due to an ankle injury, had the same fate befall junior guard Michael Alvarado, who went down midway through the first half and did not return. No update was given as to Alvarado's condition other than Steve Masiello stating that the point guard would undergo an MRI. With the Jaspers returning to MAAC play on the road this weekend against Saint Peter's on Friday and Iona on Sunday, it is not inconceivable to suggest that Manhattan could quite possibly be returning home to Riverdale at 3-11 when Rider invades Draddy Gym one week from Thursday. A Daly Dose Of Hoops will be at both of those Manhattan games, so follow us for updates.
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