By JONAS MILLER
Co-Executive Editor
It was just one of those days for the Saint Rose Men’s basketball team as they obliterated the Yellow Jackets of American International 108-71 on Saturday afternoon.
The Golden Knights dominated both ends of the floor, shooting 66 percent and forcing 14 AIC turnovers.
With Saint Rose saying goodbye to four graduating seniors, it was a day of celebration at Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium – and celebrate they did.
Seniors Tyler Sayre, Chris Dorgler, and Damon Coleman all played well. The fourth soon-to-be graduate, Brodie Munson, who after the game received the John
Pesce award, got some rare playing time as the clock wound down, scoring two points while also picking up one assist.
Pesce graduated from Saint Rose in 1986, and was known for a strong work ethic, never quit attitude, and love of basketball. Pesce passed away two years ago after a long battle with brain cancer. The award in his name goes to a men’s or women’s basketball player who embodies his love basketball and his courageous spirit.
“It was special to win the award,” Munson said. “John meant a lot to our program and set a good example of how to conduct ourselves on and off the court.”
Sayre had a game high 24 points, 20 of which came in the first half. Sayre was one of four Golden Knights in double figures. Junior Julian Lipinski finished with a double-double tallying 10 points and 11 rebounds and Dorgler amassed 15 points and 8 assists in his time on the floor.
The Golden Knights offense seemed unstoppable throughout the game. The team finished with 29 assists on 44 buckets, sinking 10 three-pointers on 21 attempts
It seemed all but over at half as Saint Rose led 45-28 at halftime. Coming out of the break, Dorgler and Coleman hit two threes a piece in the first five minutes, putting the gold and white up 20.
This was the fifth win in a row for Saint Rose. Head Coach Brian Beaury said after the game that it’s always good to be playing well down the stretch.
“We talk all the time about finding different way to be successful,” Beaury said. “We’re getting good play from a lot of guys.”
In 16 games this year the Golden Knights have had four players in double figures and have shot at least 50 percent in 13 games this season.
Coach Beaury doesn’t expect much to change as the postseason approaches. While seeding for the Northeast 10 Conference has not yet been finalized, the Golden Knights will play at home sometime next weekend regardless.
“There are other teams that are gonna be fighting for a shot,” Beaury said. “We’re an NCAA team whether we win the league or not. I feel very comfortable with way we’re playing.” e never missed the playoffs Saint Rose will finish the regular season 23-6, with a 15-5 conference record. In 31 years, none of Beaury’s Golden Knight teams have missed the playoffs.
“We preach to take i one day at a time,” Beaury said. “There are no bad teams in this league, just bad days.”
While four seniors were honored during the pre game ceremony, Beaury isn’t quite sure all four faces with be missing next year. He said the team plans to appeal to get Coleman one more year of eligibility. During his freshmen year at Adelphi university, Cleman broke his ankle five minutes into the eighth game of the season. Normally, if an athlete plays in seven games or less and gets injured, they are almost guaranteed to be given medical redshirt status, granting them an extra year of playing time. Beaury is hopeful he will have his point guard come the 2017-2018 campaign. Despite his uncertain future, as of right now Coleman has started 59 games, averaging 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Barring anything that happens in the playoffs, Sayre’s Saint Rose career will consist of more than 1,700 points – good for fifth all time.
“He’s the epitome of a Saint Rose kid,” Beaury said. “He doesn;t ask anything of anyone except just to be a good teammate.”
Sayre has twice been named a Northeast-10 Academic All conference recipient. He was also named the 2016 College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-American. Sayre will undoubtedly go down as one of the greats in Saint Rose history given his consistency and excellence on and off the court.
Dorgler will leave having been named a captain three years in a row. In his 118 games he has shown leadership and skill on both ends of the floor. With 929 points, 508 rebounds, 302 assists, and 149 steals his presence will certainly be missed next season.
“Dorgler will be tremendously difficult to replace,” said Beaury, citing his leadership on and off the court.
Finally, though Munson didn’t get the benefit of playing very much throughout his Golden Knight career, the aussie will leave a incredibly hard to fill hole when he’s gone.
“Brodies comes every day with a good attitude and works hard,” Beaury said. “It’s rare to have guys accept their role. It’s been a joy to have him in the program.”
With the regular season over, the men begin to prepare for their first playoff matchup. The Chronicle will bring you more information on their first postseason matchup when it is released. For more information on Golden Knight athletics visit www.gogoldenknights.com
