BROOKLYN – Five Cannoneers hit double figures Thursday night as Pratt Institute men's basketball team opened the 2017-18 season with a 78-68 victory over the New School.
Sophomore Akil Philip Led the way with 10 points and a career-best 17 rebounds, while Andrew Yaglenski, Adam Blufarb, and Tytus Millikan each chipped in 17. Vishal Vanka scored 11 to go with a team-best five assists.
The Cannoneers shot 42 percent from the field, in addition to hitting 85 percent from the free throw line.
A back-and-forth opening half saw the Cannoneers finally pull ahead of the Narwhals 21-20 with just under seven minutes to play before intermission. The New School, capitalizing off of Pratt miscues, orchestrated a 13-3, opening a 33-23 lead with just 30 seconds remaining in the opening period. Following a timeout, Pratt would cut into the New School lead as a three from Yaglenski, coupled with a Philip steal and jumper made gave the Cannoneers the momentum heading into the locker room.
Trailing 45-44 at the 14-minute mark, three consecutive Millikan layups allowed Pratt to open their largest lead of the game, 50-45. Tied at 60, the Cannoneers' free throw efficiency and tight defense allowed them to open a seven-point lead. The cushion was more than enough for Pratt as The New School never threatened the rest of the way.
For rookie head coach Max Sass, a superb team effort in the second half made victory No. 1 all that more enjoyable.
"Trailing at the half I told the guys that we were getting away from who we are and our identity and they really rallied behind that. They understand that it's a 40-minute game and hey came through when it mattered most. After the game, I told them that the way they carried themselves and fought back really made me proud to be there coach."
UP NEXT – The Cannoneers return to the ARC for a non-conference showdown against RISD this Saturday. Tipoff is slated for 6:00pm.
