New York, NY - The basketball teams returned from winter break early so they could hit the road and take on several opponents. 

The men's basketball team started the early slate of games on Thursday when they traveled to NYC to take on Touro College.  Freshman Josh Bendele (San Antonio, TX) made his collegiate debut after missing the entire fall semester with an arm injury, and he did not disappoint. He led the team with 14 points despite four other Panthers also scoring in double figures. The Panthers started hot, building a 48-34 halftime lead, but the second half belonged to the Tornadoes. They outscored the Panthers by 13, but it wasn't enough as they ultimately lost by one point, 75-74. 

While the men were playing Touro, the women's team took on North Country Community College. This game was much closer as every quarter was decided by five points or less. The Panthers won three of the four quarters, going on to win 51-43 in a game that was close throughout. 

The next day, the men hit the road once again to take on Vaughn College. This game was a blowout as the Panthers won by thirty points, led by Bendele who scored 15 off the bench and Alex Carrillo (Akron, OH) who dropped 19 points on 9/10 shooting. 

Both teams will play again on Sunday afternoon at 1pm - the men at home against Holyoke while the women will travel to Fulton-Montgomery Community College.  

How to follow the Panthers: For the latest information on ACPHS athletics, visit acphspanthers.com or check out the ACPHS athletics social media platforms on Instagram @ACPHSPanthers or X @ACPHSAthletics. 

Written by Angelo Oddo.