By JONAS MILLER
Co-Executive Editor
The Golden Knights are moving on.
Saint Rose cruised past the Ravens of Franklin Pierce on Sunday, winning 93-80 in front of a rowdy home crowd. They will travel to Southern New Hampshire University on Wednesday for a Northeast 10 semifinal matchup.
Julian Lipinski led all scorers with 24 points. Lipinski was a jack of all trades on Sunday – collecting 12 points in each half while also picking up five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
It was a closely contested first half. Both teams shot 60 percent from the field, but Saint Rose found an edge defensively only giving the ball up once compared to nine turnovers for Franklin Pierce.
At the break, Saint Rose led by three, 44-41.
Coming out of the locker room, the Golden Knights found a groove. By the ten minute mark, they had amassed a 20 point lead, and although it would be cut down slightly, they wouldn’t give it up.
Behind 12 from Lipinski, as well as 13 from Mical Ryan-Boyd and 11 from Chris Dorlger, the Golden Knight shut the door early on Franklin Pierce, ending the Raven’s season.
“This time of year it’s always great to advance,” said Head Coach Brian Beaury. “In my opinion, this is an NCAA team whether we in the conference or not.”
Beaury had high praise for Lipinski, saying he deserved to be an all-league player this year.
“The challenge is we have three or four all league players,” Beaury said. “It comes down to how many opportunities they get.”
In his three decades at Saint Rose, Beaury said he’s coached some incredible teams, but there’s something special about this year’s squad.
“I’ve enjoyed coaching this basketball team more than any other,” he said. “I respect who they are.”
Saint Rose will face a tough SNHU team on Wednesday. The Penmen haven’t lost a home contest yet this year, so the onus is on the Golden Knights to bring their best basketball.
Tip off for the game will be 7 p.m., with the winner moving on to the Championship game to be held Saturday, March 4.
For all things Saint Rose basketball, visit www.gogoldenknights.com.
