New York, NY | Expectations were high for the men's basketball team entering the season, the Panthers were voted #1 in the CUNYAC Community College Preseason coaches' poll, and they got their first chance to prove why in front of a home crowd at BMCC Gymnasium last night. Taking on Touro College in the first game of the season, the Panthers went on a 9-0 run in the first three minutes and did not look back. The team quickly pushed the lead to double digits before the half and went on to win by a final score of 86-59.

It was all Panthers in the first half as the team shot over 50% from the field, including 40% from behind the arc, while limiting Touro College to just 1 of 8 shooting from three point range. BMCC held a comfortable 26 point lead as the teams entered the locker room at half time. Team captain Anthony McClean led all scorers in the first half after going 3 of 5 from behind the arc on his way to 10 points.

In the second half, Aliou Cisseknocked down a three pointer and converted the and-1 attempt to stretch the Panthers lead to 31. With the game becoming increasingly out of reach, Coach Guerin pulled the starting lineup, allowing several freshmen players to gain valuable experience. The younger lineup made the most of their first opportunity to play at the collegiate level, freshmen Raybon Fleming and Eric Johnson Jr. recorded 10 points apiece as the second team kept the Touro College offense in check to secure the Panthers victory in the season opener.

The Panthers will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, when they host the Jefferson Cannoneers at BMCC Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 1pm.