Now that the Bearcats have their first win of the season under their belt, they can start to move forward as they face off against a struggling Brown team tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Events Center.
“We just want to continue improving,” said head coach Al Walker. “We have to continue to improve on our shooting and continue to grow defensively.”
With the help of strong scoring performances from the starters, Binghamton (1-5) defeated St. Francis (NY) 64-56 on Saturday to put an end to its five-game losing streak. Senior forward Andre Heard was the lone starter without double digits, scoring seven points. In fact, in the three games since he scored 18 at Oklahoma, Heard has averaged only 9.7 points per game.
But Heard still leads the team in scoring with 12.2 ppg and will continue to be the focal point of the offense.
“He is drawing the best defender and we have to work to get him good shots,” Walker said.
While Heard has struggled at times, the Bearcats have gotten a lift down low from senior forward Sebastian Hermenier, who has averaged 15.6 ppg during the last three games.
Also contributing on the offensive end is junior guard Troy Hailey, who had 19 points in 24 minutes in the Bearcats’ victory at St. Francis.
“Sebastian has been tremendously strong and consistent,” Walker said. “Troy is seeking shots, being aggressive, which is just what we need from him.”
Brown (1-5) is led by sophomore guard Damon Huffman and freshman forward Luke Ruscoe. Huffman leads the team in scoring with 9.7 ppg and is shooting 94.4 percent (17-for-18) from the free-throw line. Ruscoe averages 9.3 ppg and 6.2 rpg. Tomorrow’s game will mark the Bears’ sixth road contest in seven games.
Walker hopes his team can take full advantage and pick up its second win.
“It’s early in the season, and we are just trying to continue to get that first group of guys as determined and comfortable as possible,” Walker said.