Men's Basketball recorded a huge conference win last Friday, beating the Vaughn College Warriors 78-56 on senior night. Following a win over Culinary this weekend, the Panthers now sit at 5-1 in the HVIAC.

Prior to the game, ACPHS thanked its SIX graduating seniors for all they've given on and off the court during their time at the college. First up was John Ambert, who has started 21 of his 80 career games with the Panthers. This season, the point guard has posted career highs across the board, currently leading the team with 4.9 assists per game and 32.4 minutes per game. Next up was Naythan Beltran, who sports a career average of 13 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game and 1.7 steals per game. Earlier this year he collected his 1,000th collegiate point against SUNY Orange, and set a career high with 38 points against Five Towns College.

Evan Georgio was honored next, a center who has started 31 of his 76 games for the Panthers. This season, Georgio has averaged 5.6 points per game in just over 19 minutes per contest. He was joined on the court by his brother Philip Georgio, a sophomore on the team. Following Evan was Nick McKeel, who is averaging 3.6 rebounds a game this year. Nwakibe Kanu, who posted his best stat line of the season against the Warriors, followed Mckeel. Edward Ahanmisi, a starter and huge part of the team, was the final senior thanked on the night.

The contest was back-and forth early, but the Panthers turned it into a rout in the second half, outscoring Vaughn 37-25. The seniors all turned in stellar performances in their final home game, but it was Kanu that got the crowd going in the closing seconds. The center checked in at the 1:16 mark of the second half and proceeded to score the team's last seven points including a set play called by coach Brett Barnard titled "Michigan". The New York City native fought through multiple screens and nailed a fadeaway three which sent the fans into a frenzy.

Seniors Beltran and Ahanmisi tied for the team lead with 16 points while Ambert flirted with a triple-double. The point guard posted ten points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and four steals in 39 minutes of action. Evan Georgio was a beast on the glass with 11 rebounds and six points, while McKeel chipped in eight points on 4-6 shooting. It was a great night to be a Panther.

Albany plays their final conference game this Wednesday, February 5th when they travel to SUNY-ESF.