For the first time since 2003, the Queensborough Community College Tigers are the CUNYAC Community College Men's Basketball Champions, defeating BMCC, 72-66, to win the 2023 CUNYAC/Healthfirst Community College Men's Basketball Championship at Kingsborough Community College.
 
After securing their first regular season title since the 2007-08 season, the Tigers got the job done in the tournament, knocking off the Panthers to capture their first title in 20 years and seventh in program history.
 
"We played tough, and we played smart," said Tigers head coach Clarence Emengo, the 2023 CUNYAC Coach of the Year. "Even though it was a tough win, it was a good win because we made a lead and we held the lead. BMCC played a great game, and it was a good win for us."
 
This victory was extra sweet for Emengo, who led Queensborough to its last conference title as a player for the Tigers.
 
"I feel like an old man, said Emengo. "But it's dope. My assistant coach (Teron Simpson) was on that team too so to be with him, build this program and to finally be here in this position is a wonderful feeling."
 
Anthony Walters, the 2023 CUNYAC Player of the Year, was named the championship game's Most Valuable Player. The nation's leading scorer finished with a game-high 23 points while grabbing six rebounds in the win.
 
"Anthony is the best Division III player in the country," said Emengo. "Hands down. There's no question, no doubt, he's everything to this team."
 

BMCC raced out to an early 20-13 lead, keyed by eight points from Daniel Laffitte. Following a timeout from Queensborough, the Tigers went on to outscore the Panthers 25-7 over the final 11:33, highlighted by a 16-0 run to take a 38-27 lead into intermission.
 
The Panthers battled back in the second half, chipping away at the deficit to tie the game at 55 with 9:06 remaining in regulation. The two teams continued to exchange points with the contest tied again at 60 with 4:21 to play.
 
Queensborough scored on back-to-back possessions to take a four-point lead (64-60), an edge they would not relinquish. BMCC got within a basket but were unable to get any closer, as the Tigers held on to claim their first title in two decades.
 
Stephon Flores finished with 20 points, three rebounds and three steals, while Preston Harts finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Each earned a spot on the all-tournament team.
 
BMCC was led by Laffitte's 19-point performance, while Jayden Jarrett added 16 points and 9 nine rebounds.
 
Queensborough will now turn its attention to the NJCAA Region XV Tournament (Feb. 28 – Mar. 5), where the Tigers look to claim their first title since 1998.
 
2023 CUNYAC/Healthfirst Community College Men's Basketball All-Tournament Team
Championship Game MVP:  Anthony Walters, Queensborough
Stephon Flores, Queensborough
Preston Harts, Queensborough
Adewale Fasanmi, BMCC
Daniel Laffitte, BMCC
Tionne Palmer, Hostos
Bryan Blanding, Kingsborough

Courtesy of CUNYAC


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