Fighting Tigers Fall Short in First NCAA Bid

COBLESKILL - SUNY Cobleskill's Fighting Tigers have reached the end of the line in a magical season that culminated with an appearance on Friday evening in the school's inaugural NCAA III Men's Championship Tournament contest.

Reaching the big dance after winning the North Eastern Athletic Conference championship last Sunday over Lancaster Bible College, the men's basketball squad has invigorated a sense of school pride not seen on the rural campus in years.

Led by head coach Matt Allen, who is now in his seventh season of coaching at SUNY Cobleskill, the Fighting Tigers have struggled since joining the NCAA in 2008.

A powerhouse in the NCJAA, the transition has been tough on their morale. 

However, combining the right cast of characters and setting for the men's basketball squad, the 2014-15 season can be described as nothing short of inspiring for the program. The team finished 17-11 on the year. 

Facing off against William Paterson University on the home team's court in New Jersey, the Fighting Tigers were behind the Pioneers from the start. Unable to convert in the paint, Cobleskill struggled to gain momentum offensively.

Momentum that stayed with the Pioneers until the final buzzer sounded with them holding a commanding 80-54 lead over the Fighting Tigers.

Earning distinction for SUNY Cobleskill's Fighting Tigers were Mike Chapman and Cortrell King. Chapman for becoming the first Cobleskill athlete to score in NCAA history and King for ending the game as the first Tiger with double digit scoring.