The Berkeley College New York Men’s and Women’s
Basketball teams – as well as the New Jersey Men’s Basketball team – are
currently awaiting potential invitations to the 2014 USCAA National Basketball
Tournament. The USCAA’s selection show will take place this Wednesday – February
26 – at noon, and will be streamed live with the association’s website. For
further information, please keep it posted to the Berkeley College athletics
page.
Berkeley College’s New York men’s squad is hopeful of a
bid, as the team currently boasts a record of 14-9 overall. The Knights – who prior
to this season won the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title
three consecutive years – fell in the semifinals of the tournament this year to
Vaughn College by a score of 73-70 in the semifinal round. Berkeley is
currently listed as the No. 10 team on the USCAA Men’s Coaches Poll.
“Our student-athletes have a very positive mindset as
it pertains to potentially having a chance to play in the USCAA National
Tournament,” Head Coach Chris Christiansen said. “The most difficult aspect of
the waiting process is the unknown. This has been a very challenging season for
our team, but at the same time this is a group that enjoys challenges, so
should we receive a bid, I know our guys will be prepared mentally and
physically to give it their best on the court.”
As for the Berkeley College of New York Women, the Lady
Knights are confident of receiving an invitation to the USCAA tournament, as
the team currently owns a record of 13-6, including an unblemished 6-0 mark
against Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponents during the
regular season. The Knights did fall in the semifinal round of the HVIAC
Tournament, however, losing to St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn by a score of
73-59. Berkeley College is listed as the No. 3 team on the USCAA Women’s
Basketball Coaches Poll.
“Our team has worked extremely hard this season, and it
would be very gratifying for our student-athletes should we earn a spot in the
USCAA National Tournament,” Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson said. “A season ago, we
played well enough to get ourselves into the championship game of the National
tournament, and our players are eager to get that opportunity once again. I
believe the experience that we gained last year can be a strength for us should
we get an invitation to this year’s tourney.”
Berkeley College’s New Jersey Men’s Basketball team is
currently 16-10 on the 2013-2014 campaign and believes it has a very strong
chance to earn an invitation to this year’s dance. The Knights started slow out
of the gate – dropping five of their first nine games this year before rallying
to finish 12-5 in their final 17 contests. Berkeley currently comes in at No. 9
team on the USCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.
“I feel that our team has done a very good job of
collectively improving as the season has progressed,” Knights Head Coach
Anthony Calabrese said. “One of the most important elements a team can have is
confidence, and I’d have to say that right now we’re playing with a tremendous amount
of confidence. We would be grateful for an opportunity to display our talents
in the USCAA National Tournament. Time will tell for us.”
The USCAA National Tournament will take place in
Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and will be hosted by Penn State Fayette. The
tournament runs March 4 through March 8, with games times to-be-announced.
