Andres Fulgencio powers Adelphi over Saint Michael's
Adelphi's Andres Fulgencio react after making a shot and drawing a foul against Saint Michael's on Saturday at Adelphi. Credit: Howard Simmons
An offensive outburst by the team and a season-high 32 points by Andres Fulgencio put Adelphi one step closer to its first Northeast 10 regular- season title since the 2011-12 season.
Fulgencio connected on a season-best seven three-pointers as No. 18 Adelphi defeated visiting Saint Michael’s College, 107-92, on Saturday. Adelphi made 13 three-pointers and produced its highest point total of the season.
“We all have an understanding that the second half of the season wouldn’t be easy,” Fulgencio said. “We’re chasing something we really want. We just have to keep digging deep and let our hard work pay off.”
After a layup by Adelphi’s Al-Fatir Connor with five seconds remaining in the first half, Dayshaun Walton stole the ensuing inbounds pass and hit a layup as time expired to give the Panthers a 51-41 lead at the half.
Fulgencio scored 10 points as Adelphi (23-5, 15-2) opened the second half on a 16-7 run, but a jumper by CJ Crews (33 points) capped a 21-7 run by the Purple Knights (7-19, 3-15) that cut their deficit to 74-69.
“They have shot-makers that can take and make some ridiculous shots,” Adelphi coach Dave Duke said. “I love the fact our guys were resilient. They stuck to their principles and didn’t panic.”
Tavin Pierre Philippe made a layup through contact to give Adelphi an 85-76 lead with 5:59 remaining. He scored 22 points for the second consecutive game and added six assists.
“Playing in this offense is super-fun. I feel that it allows everybody to express different facets of their game,” he said. “We have a lot of freedom, and everyone is doing what they’re best at when they get the ball.”
Adelphi traveled to Hawaii in late November and suffered two losses at the Hoops in Hawaii Classic. Since their return, the Panthers have won 12 straight games and 18 of their last 19.
“I think the Hawaii trip was the best thing that could’ve happened to us,” Walton said. “We come from a lot of different places and it gave us a chance to really get to know each other. We didn’t do as well as we wanted to out there, but that losing and adversity helped us get where we are now.”
Adelphi’s No. 18 ranking is its highest since the 2000-01 season, when it was ranked No. 1 in the nation. Fulgencio is a big reason, averaging a team-best 15.1 points after transferring from UMass Lowell. Walton’s is second at 13.6 points per game and Pierre Philippe is third at 12.3.
“We tell the guys all the time, if you have a good shot, let it fly,” Duke said. “These guys are in the gym all the time. They’re confident and we know they’re working hard consistently.”
Adelphi will take on No. 19 Pace (21-4, 13-4) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Panthers can clinch the NE 10 title with a win. Adelphi won the first matchup this season, 67-59, on Jan. 14.
“They’re a different team than we faced earlier,” Walton said. “We have to keep preparing for this like it’s any other game. But at the same time, we know the stakes are higher and we have to come out playing hard from the jump.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
