Vestal, N.Y.-- UMBC men's basketball survived a thriller against the Bearcats, getting late free throws from Darnell Rogers (Baltimore, Md./Indian Land (SC)/New Mexico JC) in a 70-68 win. There were 16 lead changes in the contest. Keondre Kennedy (Atlanta, Ga.) led the Retrievers with 17 points and nine rebounds.

"I thought our guys showed great toughness and composure today," head coach Jim Ferry said after the game. "We stayed connected and truly trusted each other."

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Retrievers got out to an early lead, with L.J. Owens (Annapolis, Md./Severn School/William & Mary) hitting a jumper in the paint on the first possession of the game. 
• Binghamton would quickly respond, taking the lead after a pair of threes, two of 10 first half threes for the Bearcats.
• Darnell Rogers responded with one of his three first half threes to cut it to one at the under 16 timeout.
• Binghamton would continue their hot shooting, using a mini 6-0 run to retake the lead.
• Both teams would go back and forth in the first half with the lead.
• Rogers would drill a deep three just before the buzzer to cut the Retriever deficit to 39-38 at the half.
• Both Rogers and Keondre Kennedy led the way with nine points. Kennedy added four rebounds for the Retrievers. 
• UMBC used 10 second chance points to stay within striking distance in the first half.
• Binghamton came out of the break and took the lead with a mini run, but Kennedy had the answer to end the run.
• That sparked a 4-0 run by Kennedy to cut it to a one point game.
• Binghamton held UMBC scoreless for nearly two minutes to push their lead back to six.
• UMBC then ripped off a 7-0 run, capped by a Rogers driving layup to put UMBC back in front.
• After both teams went back and forth, UMBC got a big and-one from Nathan Johnson (Adel, Iowa) to give UMBC a three point lead.
• UMBC would lead late, but Binghamton responded with an and-one of their own to tie it up.
• With the game tied with 25 seconds left, Rogers got his own rebounds and was fouled. He would knock down both free throws to give UMBC the lead.
• The Retrievers would stop Binghamton on the final possession to walk away with a 70-68 win.

NOTABLE:

• Kennedy and Rogers each had 17 points with Kennedy grabbing a team-best nine rebounds.
• Kennedy has scored 48 points with 16 rebounds over his last two games. 
• UMBC held the Bearcats to just 2-9 from three in the second half after BU hit 10 in the first half.
• The Retrievers outscored the Bearcats, 32-18 in the paint and 15-0 in second chance points.

UMBC will continue their road swing at UAlbany on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.