Above: Senior D’Vonne Trumbo handling the ball at half court. Photo credit: Bridgeport Athletics.
When UB senior Bakary Camara tipped in a missed free throw for a buzzer-beating 87-85 win over St. Thomas Aquinas, it was more than just another victory. The Purple Knights’ comeback success brought them to 15-2 for the season, breaking a school record of 44 years for best start in team history. In games within their own East Coast Conference, they remain undefeated at 7-0, and the team is currently ranked #17 in the country.
This was no easy win. St. Thomas Aquinas came into the game ranked #10 in the country with a similarly strong 16-2 record. At the half, the Purple Knights trailed 48-37 and they were down by as many as 16 points in the game. But led by Camara, who put up a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, junior Juan Coffi, who scored 23 points, as well as junior Hashem Abbas with 12 points and senior D’Vonne Trumbo with 12, the team fought their way back to victory.
Head Coach Mike Ruane said, “The senior leadership stepped up in a huge way. St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the best teams in the country and a major rival. This was an all-around great win.”
With eleven straight victories, the Purple Knights look to continue their streak when they play away at Mercy College this Saturday. Their next home game will be on Friday, February 7, against Daemen College, a fierce opponent with a strong record of 15-5. Come out and support the team!