Pena Explodes in HVIAC Semi-Final Game

ALBANY, N.Y. – Sophomore guard Michael Pena (Dumont, NJ) put on an offensive clinic in the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) semi-final game against the Bears of St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn). The winner of the semi-final matchup would meet Berkeley College (NY) in the HVIAC championship game. Pena has had his offensive struggles this year, but is still respected as one of the deadliest shooters in the conference. In a game in which both teams needed their key players to perform, Pena came out firing on all cylinders. He finished the game with a career high 40 points on 52 percent shooting from the field. He also hit a career high nine three pointers in the game, on 56 percent shooting from behind the arc. Pena's semi-final performance will go down as one of the best performances in HVIAC playoff history.

The Warriors took an early eight point first half lead over the bears, setting the pace and tempo for the game. The Bears would erase the eight point deficit to take a 31-29 lead into the halftime break period. Both teams started the second half trading baskets. However, the Warriors would go on a three minute scoring drought that would allow the Bears to create some separation on the score board. The Warriors struggles to finish close range shots around the basket hurt their chances in regaining the lead. The Bears capitalized on the Warriors' empty offensive possessions and would go up by as many as 22 points late in the second half. There was no quit in the Warriors as they battled back to bring the Bears lead underneath 10 points with under two minutes to play in the game. Unfortunately, the Warriors would go on to lose to St. Joseph's College by a final score of 82-71.

Pena's 40 points is the most points scored by a Warriors basketball player in a losing effort. Tawanto Snead Jr. (Detroit, MI) chipped in 10 points and six rebounds in the game. Isiah Reed added seven points and eight rebounds.

The HVIAC semi-final loss ends the Warriors season. They finished the 2014-15 season with a .500 overall record, at 13-13.