Opening night recap game 1

Upstate Swagger too much for Gunnas to handle

Defense, Transition baskets lead to runaway victory

Upstate Swagger came out firing on all cylinders, hitting threes and getting easy layups to help them start the game on a 21-2 run. The rest of the game was more of the same, as Upstate Swagger out rebounded and out played the Gunnas to an 84-57 victory.

At halftime, the score was 47-19. Led by Utica College Assistant Coach Sean Burton, Upstate Swagger’s ball movement exploited holes in the Gunnas defense, creating open shots and allowing for easy layups throughout the game. Their passes were crisp and on target; hitting the open man and making the extra pass that opened up the defense, allowing  for easy scoring opportunities. The Gunnas could not solve Upstate Swagger’s offensive puzzle, and it did not help that they were constantly slow to get back on defense throughout the game. At points, the Gunnas coach was irate with his team, howling at them to “get back!” as Upstate Swagger pushed the ball up the court on turnovers, missed baskets, and made shots.

The Gunnas seemed to be pressing for baskets on offense. They spent the majority of the evening trying to dribble through the 2-3 zone they were faced with rather than move the ball through the air. This did not work. The combination of active hands by the guards and the shot altering ability of the forwards of Upstate Swagger allowed them to handle any offensive attack brought their way.

Midway through the third quarter it looked like the Gunnas were poised for a run, cutting the lead to 19, but back to back buckets by Game high scorer Dave Golembioski and Burton brought the lead up to 23, and the Gunnas never recovered.

Golembioski finished with 28 points for Upstate Swagger. Deandre Preaster was the leading scorer for the Gunnas, finishing with 13 points. After the game, Utica College Men’s Head Basketball Coach Chris Connolly, a player for Upstate Swagger, emphasized that even in a blowout, this league was a fun experience for all. “There are a lot of smiles, I love the atmosphere. It’s my first time playing, and I really enjoy it so far.”

Up next for Upstate Swagger are the Dream Chasers Wednesday June 27 at Notre Dame. The Gunnas take on Syracuse Elite the same night. The game was played at Utica College, but the remainder of the games starting June 25 will be played at Notre Dame.