New York, New York | After trailing by just two at halftime, nationally No. 7 ranked Nassau Community College shot 70 percent in the second half (21-30) to pick up a 95-76 Regional victory over BMCC on Saturday afternoon at BMCC Gymnasium. The loss drops the Panthers to 9-10 (6-8 Region XV), while the Lions eighth straight victory improves their record to 17-3 (12-1 Region XV). 

Three BMCC starters scored in double-figures, as sophomore Terrance McBride (Brooklyn, New York) led all scorers with his team-leading eighth 20-point performance, tying a game-high with 24 points. McBride also distributed a team-high five assists. 

Classmate Curtis Smith (Brooklyn, New York) drained a season-high 18 points and went a season-best 10-for-14 at the line while hauling down a team-high seven rebounds. Freshman Malik Bentinck (Queens, New York) chipped in with 10 points in the contest despite foul trouble early on. Smith and fellow sophomore Damonie Askew (Brooklyn, New York) both snagged a team-best two steals, while Askew and freshman Kadeem Jones (Jamaica, Queens) both gobbled up five rebounds each.

Both teams traded the lead six times, with five of them coming in the final 9:16 of the first half. BMCC trailed for a majority of a first half and fell behind by eight points (17-9) with 12:36 to go, before running off an 18-4 spurt over the next six minutes to grab their first lead of day, 22-21, on a three-pointer by Jones at 9:16 and increase it to its largest mark, six, 27-21, at 7:37 after Smith went 4-for-4 at the line.

Nassau countered with a 13-2 run to go back up by five, 34-29, on a layup at 4:56, before BMCC scored the next six points to go back ahead 35-34, after Askew's steal and fast-break lay-in at 3:35. The Lions posted the following four points down the stretch retaking the lead, 38-37, on a jumper at 2:00, before William Brown (Brooklyn, New York) sunk a three-pointer from the right corner as time expired to give the Panthers a 40-38 halftime advantage. 

Bentinck's jumper at the 19:15 mark of the second half extended the Panther advantage to 42-38 before the Lions took over the game from there with an 11-2 run over the next five minutes to lead by double-digits for the first time 59-47. BMCC got as close as 10, 59-49, on a Smith jumper at 13:14, before Nassau dictated the narrative down the stretch to build their lead to 22, 86-64, the biggest of the afternoon and roll to a 95-76 win.

Four Nassau Community College starters scored in double-figures, and two put up double-doubles, led by sophomore forward Patrick Gardner's game-high 24 points and 17 rebounds. Classmate Javen Soto registered 23 points and 15 rebounds in the game, while freshman Corey Bernard and Sahdique Watkins both chipped in with 15 points and 10 points. Gardner also led the way with five assists and four blocks on the hardwood this afternoon.

Notables: 

• The Panthers had three or more players in double-figures for the fifteenth time this season.
• Terrance McBride (Brooklyn, New York) has scored in double figures in 18 of 19 games this season, which is tops on the team, while Malik Bentinck (Queens, New York) second on the team with 17 double-figure games, including four straight. 
• Curtis Smith (Brooklyn, New York) scored in double-figures for a second straight game and for the fourth time this season. 
• McBride registered his team-leading ninth 20-point output of the season, including his fourth in his last five games.

The Panthers are back it on Tuesday, Feb.4, to take on CUNYAC opponent Queensborough Community College. The opening tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the BMCC Men's Basketball Schedule Page.
 

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The athletic program at Borough of Manhattan Community College encompasses a total of six varsity teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level. For the latest news on the Panthers, please visit us at https://bmccathletics.com - The official site of BMCC Athletics. Follow the Panthers on Instagram (@bmcc_athletics) and Twitter (@BMCCAthletics), and Like Us on Facebook (BMCC Athletics).