Bearcats Roar: Binghamton Finds Its Stride in Commanding Home Win

You know, sometimes a game just feels like it's unfolding exactly as planned, even with a few bumps along the way. That's pretty much what happened for Binghamton's men's basketball squad the other night against Rochester Institute of Technology. A decisive 66-56 victory, sure, but it was more than just the numbers on the scoreboard; it was about watching a team really start to gel.

The atmosphere at home, always a little bit special, clearly fueled the Bearcats. From the get-go, they looked sharp, establishing a rhythm that, for the most part, kept RIT playing catch-up. And in truth, you couldn't help but notice guard Sam Sessoms, who was just everywhere. He was the kind of player who makes an impact that goes beyond just points, though he certainly had those in spades — a game-high 19, actually. But honestly, it was his all-around effort, the five rebounds, five assists, and three steals, that truly painted the picture of a dominant night.

Of course, Sessoms wasn't flying solo. J.C. Show, another one of Binghamton's reliable guards, brought his usual steady presence, chipping in a solid 17 points and five boards. And Timmy Rose? He kept the scoreboard ticking with 12 points of his own, ensuring RIT couldn't get too comfortable. Down low, Caleb Stewart was simply a workhorse, battling for 10 rebounds to go along with his seven points; a quiet effort, perhaps, but absolutely crucial for controlling the paint.

Halftime saw Binghamton holding a comfortable-enough 30-24 lead. But if you’ve watched enough basketball, you know those leads can evaporate quickly, can't they? Early in the second half, RIT—and you've got to give them credit for their grit—managed to chip away, pulling within just two points, 30-28. For a moment, honestly, you could feel a ripple of concern go through the home crowd; perhaps the momentum was shifting?

But then, as often happens with good teams, Binghamton found its footing. And what a footing it was: a scorching 15-2 run that effectively put the game out of reach. That burst of energy, those crucial baskets, and the renewed defensive intensity stretched their lead to a comfortable 19 points at one stage. RIT, to their credit, featuring strong efforts from Chase Lewis, Marcellus James, and Keanu Williams, never quite gave up, making a few late pushes. But by then, the gap was simply too wide to bridge.

So, a win is a win, as they say, and this one, a 66-56 final, felt pretty good for the Bearcats. It wasn't just a score; it was a statement, an early-season testament to what this squad, brimming with talent and a certain undeniable synergy, might just be capable of. One can only wonder what the rest of the season will bring, but for now, the future, you could say, looks bright for Binghamton.