Box Score
BRONXVILLE, N.Y. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team lost a close battle at Concordia College, 76-75 in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference season finale Saturday afternoon in the Meyer Athletic Center. The Cougars (7-20) end the conference schedule with a record of 3-15, while the Clippers (13-15) even their CACC record at 9-9.

With Concordia leading 73-70 with 2:23 remaining, a conventional three-point play by senior forward Kairo Rochford (Brooklyn, NY/James Madison) tied the score at 73-73 with two minutes left. Brandon Whitaker answered for the Clippers with a three-point play of his own to restore the three-point lead. After an empty possession by the Cougars, sophomore guard Wyatt Polk (Haddonfield, NJ/Haddonfield) stole the ball and scored, making the score 76-75 Concordia with a minute to play.

Caldwell stole the ball again, with sophomore guard Kevin Walker (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter's Prep) taking away the inbounds pass. After a Cougars' shot was off the mark, a missed three by Concordia gave Caldwell possession with 18 seconds on the clock. The ball went inside to sophomore forward Michael Balkovic (Neptune, NJ/St. John Vianney), who kicked it out to Polk on the baseline. But Polk's 15-footer rattled off the rim as the final buzzer sounded, giving the Clippers the win.

Balkovic had 10 points and six rebounds in the first half, as Concordia took a 33-31 lead into halftime. The Clippers had a 44-39 advantage four minutes into the second half when the Cougars scored the next six points to lead 45-44 with 14:30 remaining. The lead changed hands five times over the next five minutes, with a lay-up by Argelix Gil giving the hosts a 57-56 lead with 9:47 on the clock. The Cougars were able to tie the score twice, but were unable to overcome Concordia, who tied for fourth with Felician in the CACC North but did not qualify for the CACC Tournament due to a tie-breaker.

Balkovic finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks to lead Caldwell. Polk tallied 13 points, seven boards and three steals, freshman forward Billy McDonald (North Haven, CT/North Haven) scored a career-best 12 points and freshman guard Dawan Lighty (Paterson, NJ/Kennedy) had 10 points. Whitaker and Lavor Morris paced the Clippers with 19 points apiece, and Gil grabbed 17 rebounds to go with 13 points, four assists and four steals.

Caldwell concludes the regular season with a non-conference game at St. Thomas Aquinas College on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. in Sparkill, N.Y.