Arlington Fights Off New Paltz Comeback, Advances to Semifinal

Arlington was able to hold off a New Paltz comeback to advance to the semifinals, 54-52.

After the first 16 minutes, it appeared it would be all Arlington. At the halftime break the Admirals led by 14.

But New Paltz didn’t shy away from the comeback. The Huguenots started the second half on a 15-4 run to cut the deficit to four.

The game was never separated by more than five points the rest of the way.

Freshman Cayden Dones knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to cut Arlington lead to two.

The Admirals, trying to play keep-away with New Paltz having to foul multiple times before sending Arlington to the line, turned the ball over with 16.8 with a bad pass that went out-of-bounds.

New Paltz had look from three but it was partially blocked.

The reigning champion Arlington Admirals stayed alive and have advanced to Wednesday’s semifinal against Beacon.

Dones led all scores with 26 points; 19 came in the second half. He finished the game with five 3-pointers.

Malaki Smith led Arlington with 14. Rosso Grant had 11 and Michael Rescigno had nine.

It was an impressive New Paltz comeback that fell just short. They will look to bounce back Wednesday against FDR at 1 p.m.

By: Tom Seipp (@Tom_Seipp)