Valhalla, NY – Despite career highs from both Wyatt Triestman and Yave Cruz, the Vikings fell to Raritan Valley Saturday afternoon by the score of 121-101.
 
By far the best offensive performance by SUNY Westchester this season with four players having double-digit points, 11 steals, 44 rebounds, and only 14 turnovers. Defense on the other hand, was a secondary option by both teams. The first half began with Raritan Valley (17-5) hitting three quick three-pointers while the Vikings followed suit with a three by Cruz and a layup by Triestman by the 18-minute mark. Westchester would continue the uphill battle to keep the game as close as four-points at the 15-minute mark before the Lions offense would explode to go up 24 heading into the half. Two Raritan players would lead the pack with 16-points each while the team shot an astonishing 64% from the floor, 45% from beyond the arc. The Vikings, led by Wyatt who had 13 points in the first half, shot 37.5% from the floor and 35% from beyond the arc.
 
The second half saw much of the same from both offenses. Westchester would cut the Lion lead down to 15 thanks to a Cruz three and a layup by Yenfry Paulino. The Vikings would get as close as 11 at the 6:40 mark before an 8-0 run would solidify the game for Raritan Valley. The 61 points scored by Westchester in the half marks one of the highest scoring halves in program history while shooting 48% from the floor and 88% from the charity stripe. The Lions were led by Malik Kabia who had a game-high 42 points. The Vikings were led by Wyatt Triestman who had a career-high 38 points and 16 rebounds. Triestman's 38 points was a program best since Miles Haughton dropped 41 points against Dutchess Community College back on November 29^th, 2018. Adding to the onslaught of points was Yave Cruz who added 24 points and Yenfry Paulino who would add 22 points.
 
Westchester looks to bounce back against Conference/Regional foe Rockland on Tuesday January 30^th for a 7pm start. Game will be played at RCC's Fieldhouse.