Stifling Defense Overwhelms Ulster in Conference Tilt

Middletown, NY – Entering into the Thanksgiving break, Orange had one last game to play before players and coaches could all head their separate ways to spend a couple of well-earned days off with family. Before that break could happen, however, the team knew it had business to take care of. In a game, where Ulster's only lead was at 7-6, the Colts dominated the rest of the way for a convincing 96-55 Mid-Hudson Conference victory.

 The Colts used their frenetic brand of full court pressure and man to man defense to force 32 Ulster turnovers, Orange held the Senators to a season low forty-five shot attempts. When Ulster was able to get into their offense, and get their shots up, it was one and done for the Senators. Orange dominated the boards by grabbing fifty-three rebounds while Ulster only grabbed three offensive rebounds for the entire game. Orange, led by Marquis Gill's 5 steals, had six players with multiple steals. Thirty-seven of Orange's points came directly from Ulster turnovers.

 On the offensive side of the court, the Colts were able to get any shot they wanted with their quick passing, motion offense. Orange made thirty-seven shots with twenty-three of those baskets coming off assists. Orange, who enjoyed a significant height advantage over their opponent, dominated in the paint. The Colts scored sixty-eight points inside of the free-throw lane. On a night where everything was working for the Colts, the only blemish in the team's performance came from their long-range shooting. Orange only connected on 3 of 20 attempts from three for a percentage of 15%.

The win improved Orange's record on the season to 7-1 with the only loss coming to nationally ranked Monroe Community College by three on Monroe's home court. Orange also stands in first place in the Mid-Hudson Conference with a 3-0 record. Orange finishes the first round of conference play with a key matchup at Rockland this coming Tuesday. The winner of that contest will be in sole possession atop the conference standings. That game is in Suffern, NY at 7:00 p.m.

 Top Performers

So. Forward, Jabari Phillip scored 23 points on 8-13 shooting and 7-9 free throws. He also pulled down 10 rebounds and had zero turnovers.

So. Guard Kassius Paulin had a nice stat line with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

So. Guard Daniel Lans scored 12 points to go along with 4 steals.

So. Guard Mathew Shea had 11 points and pulled down 15 rebounds.

So. Guard Marquis gill had a season high 9 assists for Orange while So. Forward, Marco Evans brought his typical brand of high energy off the bench with 7 points and 6 rebounds.