As the SUNY Cortland Men’s Basketball team reaches the midway point of their season, the Red Dragons find themselves amid a competitive campaign, boasting a record of 9-10 overall and holding their ground with a .500 winning percentage in conference play.
The team’s journey thus far has been characterized by a blend of triumphs and challenges, as they strive to make their mark in the competitive world of collegiate basketball. Currently sitting at 6-6 in conference games, the Red Dragons have demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
A significant driving force behind the team’s efforts has been the standout performances of key players. Leading the charge is sophomore forward Kendall Arcuri, whose well-rounded contributions have been nothing short of impressive. Averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, Arcuri has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. His three separate 20+ point outings underscore his scoring prowess and ability to step up when needed most.
While Arcuri’s scoring has been impressive, he will tell you that the team can attribute its success to its improvement on defense.
“In terms of our performance, some specific areas that I have seen improvement in are our defense and defensive intensity,” Arcuri said in a recent interview. “Coach Mo emphasized defense when coming into Cortland as head coach, and we’ve slowly been advancing step-by-step toward being a great defensive team.”
With just 6 games left on the regular season schedule, Arcuri emphasized that each matchup holds the same importance as the rest for the success of the team.
“I believe that because of our overall record and our conference record, we need to take every game as seriously as possible,” Arcuri said when asked about the upcoming schedule. “The playoff race is wide open for many teams, and if we can piece each of these wins together, it would put us in a great spot.”
Joining Arcuri in the spotlight is sophomore forward Aaron Coston, who despite being just a hair behind Arcuri in scoring average, has one more 20-point outing. Coston’s averages of 14 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game showcase his versatility and importance to the team’s success. His ability to impact the game in multiple facets, but especially with his paint presence, has proven invaluable for the Red Dragons.
Senior forward Kareem Lubin adds experience and leadership to the squad, contributing 12.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Lubin’s sheer existence on the court has been instrumental in guiding the team through challenging moments and elevating their overall performance.
A sharpshooter from beyond the arc, junior guard Danny Linehan has been a consistent threat from long range, shooting an impressive 41.4 percent from three-point territory. Linehan’s standout moment came in a game where he drained 8 three-pointers, amassing 26 points – the highest scoring mark achieved by any Red Dragon this season. His ability to stretch the floor and provide a scoring spark has been a key asset for SUNY Cortland.
As the Red Dragons navigate the remainder of the season, they will look to build upon the successes and address areas for improvement. With a talented roster and a blend of experienced leaders and emerging players looking to find their way, Cortland Men’s Basketball aims to make a statement in the latter half of the season and position itself for postseason success. The marathon continues, and the Red Dragons hope to be poised for the challenges that lie ahead.