(Valhalla, NY) - Freshman Kai Parris (Bronx, NY/Riverdale Kingsbridge) scored 18 points, and fellow freshman Omar Nkonde (New York, NY/Thurgood Marshall Academy) added 13 points, seven rebounds, five blocked shots, and four assists, but the Westchester Community College Men's Basketball team lost for the third time during the last four games, 79-72 to Essex County College on Tuesday night at Viking Gymnasium. With the loss, Westchester CC is now 7-4 for the 2021-2022 season.

Down 19-15 early, the Vikings went on a 12-0 run to take a 27-19 lead with 8:44 to play in the first half. However, Westchester turnovers allowed Essex (2-6) a chance to get back into the game, and the Wolverines closed the first half on a 13-4 run to take a 32-31 lead at halftime. Over the first 20 minutes, Westchester had 12 turnovers, compared to four from Essex, allowing the Wolverines to have the halftime lead despite the Vikings leading in most statistical categories.



The second half saw another attempt for the Vikings to pull away as Westchester trailed 40-35 with 17:45 to play, but a 14-2 run gave the Vikings a 49-42 lead exactly four minutes later. But the Wolverines went on a 15-5 run of their own to take a 57-54 lead with 7:21 to play, and Essex never trailed again. Essex led by as many as 10 points down the stretch.

Westchester had the better night shooting - 47%-43%, but Essex was able to convert seven three-point attempts - compared to four from Westchester CC - and the Wolverines were 20-33 from the free throw line, while Westchester was 10 for 16. The Vikings did record a season-high 13 blocked shots.

Also for the Vikings, freshman Eisaiah Murphy had 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Westchester CC returns to action on Thursday, Nov. 16 for the final time in 2021 when the Vikings travel to Raritan Valley CC for a 7:00 p.m. start.