Berea, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2010) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team got back into the swing of things Monday night against Berea (Ky.) College in a non-conference matchup. The Buffs started off the New Year on the right foot knocking off the Mountaineers by a final of 82-78 on the road.  

The Milligan men clung to a one point lead at halftime (40-39), but a solid second half performance would grab the Buffs their fourth win of the season. Milligan utilized their reserves and post players Monday night in the Seabury Center, as the Buffs' bench outscored the host Mountaineers 26-11 as well as in the paint 46-36.   

The Buffs were sparked offensively by the Dobyns-Bennett trio of sophomore Marshall Hardy, and freshmen Justin Sylvester and Dustin McConnell. Hardy led the way with 17 points and 12 rebounds en-route to his first career double-double. Sylvester also pitched in 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, while McConnell had 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. Junior Cordero Seymour (Inagua, Bahamas) was the other Buff in double figures with 15 points.  

“Our defense stepped up big late in the game,” commented Head Coach Bill Robinson. “We got three really key stops in the finals minutes which helped secure the win. The difference tonight was definitely our effort and consistency, and our ability to maintain it throughout the contest.” 

With the win, the Buffs improve to 4-7 overall and remain at 2-1 in the AAC.

The Milligan men travel to take on AAC foe Bryan (Dayton, Tenn.) College Wednesday, Jan. 6, as the Buffs gets back into league play. Tip-off for this matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.