BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Pratt Institute men's basketball team claimed bragging rights in the "Battle of Clinton Hill" on Tuesday evening, holding off Willoughby Avenue rival St. Joseph's University-Brooklyn for a 66-61 victory at the Activity Resource Center.
The victory snapped a 22-game losing streak to the Bears dating back to at least 2002, with records of the rivalry unavailable prior to 2002. With the win, Pratt improves to 4-2 on the season, securing its fourth victory in the last five outings.
Junior forward Trey Phillips (Phoenix, Ariz.) powered the Cannoneers with a dominant double-double, tallying season-highs of 19 points and 15 rebounds. Phillips shot 9-of-17 from the floor and grabbed 11 defensive boards to anchor the paint. Senior forward Cameron Hatcher (Cincinnati, Ohio) added 13 points and connected on three 3-pointers, while first-year forward Kurt Thomas (Dallas, Texas) filled the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals.
Pratt's defense was instrumental, forcing 17 turnovers and collecting 12 steals. First-year guard Elijah Fermaint (Orlando, Fla.) directed the offense with a game-high seven assists while adding seven rebounds and three steals.
The Cannoneers led 34-30 at halftime and extended their advantage to 50-40 midway through the second period on a Phillips jumper. Pratt maintained control, pushing the lead to 58-47 on a Phillips tip-in with 7:18 remaining. However, the Bears (2-4) mounted a furious comeback, utilizing a 14-4 run to trim the deficit to a single point, 62-61, following two Justin Munson free throws with 49 seconds to play.
On the ensuing possession, Hatcher found Phillips in the paint for a clutch layup to extend the lead to 64-61 with 31 seconds left. The Pratt defense then forced a missed 3-pointer by Colin Mills, and Thomas grabbed the rebound before sinking two free throws with six seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Munson led St. Joseph's-Brooklyn with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jacob Idowu added 14 points and 10 boards.
Pratt won the battle of the boards 49-43 and passed the ball well handing out 18 assists on 26 made field goals.
The Cannoneers return to action after the Thanksgiving break on Monday, Dec. 1, hosting Brooklyn College at 7 p.m. in another borough matchup at the ARC.
