Bryant & Stratton Rochester Falls in Overtime Thriller to Penn State Shenango
Buffalo, N.Y. — The Bryant & Stratton College Rochester men's basketball team battled wire-to-wire but came up just short in an overtime thriller, falling 72–70 to Penn State Shenango in the finale of the Bryant & Stratton Buffalo Kickoff Classic at the Burt Flickinger Center on Sunday.
The Bobcats (0–2) showed tremendous resilience throughout the contest, clawing back from a second-half deficit to force extra time before ultimately running out of gas in the closing moments.
Sophomore forward Jaral Farmer anchored the Rochester attack with a dominant double-double, finishing with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists on an efficient 9-for-11 shooting. Farmer was a steady force inside all afternoon, controlling the paint on both ends and providing crucial second-chance opportunities.
Javon Rosier added 15 points, while Anthony Brooks and Aaron Stewart each chipped in 10. Brooks also contributed 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in a strong two-way performance.
The Bobcats came out energized, using early ball movement and interior play from Farmer and Stewart to stay within striking distance. Despite Shenango's hot perimeter shooting, Rochester trailed by just a handful at the half, thanks to timely buckets from Rosier and Brooks.
In the second half, Bryant & Stratton's defense tightened, holding Shenango without a field goal for nearly five minutes midway through the frame. Farmer's work on the boards sparked a 10–2 Bobcat run, capped by a Rosier three-pointer to pull Rochester within one possession.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with Farmer converting a key putback in the final minute to tie the game at 63 and send it to overtime.
In the extra period, fatigue began to show for both sides. Shenango's Washington hit a clutch corner three to give the Lions the lead, and despite a final Rochester push, a late shot attempt rimmed out as time expired.
The Bobcats shot 40.3% from the field and outrebounded Shenango 41–38. Bryant & Stratton Rochester will look to rebound when they return to action on November 16th, continuing early-season play against regional USCAA opponents, traveling to Touro College.
