PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Clinton Community College battled through a tightly contested matchup and withstood several late challenges from Lomanto/Provost to earn a hard-fought victory in an exciting game that featured momentum swings, clutch free throws, and standout individual performances.
Clinton struck first with the game’s opening basket to take a 2-0 lead before Lomanto/Provost answered quickly with back-to-back field goals to move ahead 4-2. Trevor Harris responded by converting a pair of free throws to even the score, but Lomanto/Provost regained momentum with a three-pointer.
Tyrell Lino answered immediately with a three of his own, knotting the contest at 7-7. The teams continued to trade baskets throughout the opening half, with Spencer Daby providing a spark for the Cougars by scoring consecutive field goals to give Clinton a brief advantage. Lomanto/Provost stayed within striking distance behind timely perimeter shooting and strong offensive play from Steve Peryea.
As the clock wound down in the first half, the game remained separated by just one possession. With only seconds remaining, Trevor Harris connected on a key basket to send Clinton into the locker room holding a narrow 25-24 halftime lead.
Lino paced the Cougars during the opening 20 minutes with nine points, while Daby added six and Harris contributed four. For Lomanto/Provost, Steve Peryea led all first-half scorers with 11 points, while Kyle LaPoint and Keegan Briggs each added four.
Clinton gradually created separation as the half progressed. At the 15-minute mark, the Cougars held a slim 29-27 advantage before Spencer Daby converted an impressive and-one opportunity to extend the lead. Despite several runs by Lomanto/Provost, Clinton consistently answered with timely baskets and strong execution from the free-throw line.
With 9:40 remaining, Clinton maintained a 40-37 lead. Trevor Harris continued his strong performance by drawing contact and knocking down both free throws during a crucial stretch. Later, Thom Murray and Harvey Merrill also capitalized at the charity stripe as the Cougars extended their advantage to 52-43 with just over four minutes remaining.
Late in the contest, Merrill recovered after slipping on a wet spot on the court and calmly converted his free-throw attempt. Although Lomanto/Provost continued to battle, including a highlight-reel assist from Keegan Briggs to Kaden Baugh for a layup, Clinton’s defense and free-throw shooting proved to be the difference.
The Cougars maintained control down the stretch, leading 62-51 in the closing minutes as they secured an impressive victory over a determined Lomanto/Provost squad.
At the final 0:26 seconds, the score remains 62-51. The game has concluded with the remaining time left.