CALDWELL, N.J.- Caldwell University men's basketball junior Tyler Washington (Englewood, N.J.) led the Cougars with 13 points in a 70-64 loss to Chestnut Hill College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference match-up on Mark A. Corino Day.
 
Prior to the game, Caldwell Athletics held a ceremony to honor the career and milestones of Head Coach Corino. Earlier this season, Coach Corino earned his 600th career coaching victory and on January 8, he reached new heights, becoming the state of New Jersey's all-time winningest NCAA men's basketball head coach with his 604th career victory.  
 
The ceremony included a presentation by Essex County Commissioner and Caldwell Alumnus Carlos Pomares and a proclamation by Caldwell mayor John Kelley and councilwoman Fran DePalma-Iozzi. Senior Anthony Cooper (Ashburn, Va.) presented Coach Corino with his 600th victory game ball and plaque, while men's basketball alumni and Caldwell Athletic Hall of Famers Matt Stuart and Tom Tonkovich presented the 604th record setting game ball and a plaque. Former Caldwell University President Sister Patrice Werner, O.P. provided Coach Corino with a crystal award that marked his accomplishment, followed by a presentation by the CACC Commissioner Dan Mara. Current Caldwell President Dr. Matthew Whelan presented Coach Corino with gifts to celebrate his legacy and contributions to the university and the department. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the ceremonial 604th victory banner that was hung in the gym following the ceremony and concluding remarks by Coach Corino thanking the alumni, honored guests, the fans and his family for their support over his coaching career.
 
Once the game tipped off, the Cougars got off to a quick lead as they built a 29-8 lead at the 11:09 mark of the opening half. Washington drained three trifectas in the run, while freshman Mark Heber (Paterson, N.J.) connected on two triples to help Caldwell jump out to an early lead. Chestnut Hill made a late run to close the gap to 43-33 at halftime.
 
The Griffins cut into the Caldwell lead into the second half as they tied the score at 55 midway through the half and took their first lead of the game less than a minute later. Cooper and Washington traded baskets with Chestnut Hill as Caldwell pulled even at 61 with 2:49 left in the game. The Griffins scored the next four points and outpaced the Cougars down the stretch.
 
Washington led the way with 13 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Freshman Derrick Bueno (Palisades Park, N.J.) finished with 12 points and nine boards, while Cooper added 11 points and six boards. Sophomore Jarnel Rancy (Middle Island, N.Y.) totaled 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals. Graduate Gerald Blount (Jersey City, N.J.) grabbed a team-high 14 rebounds in the game.
 
The Cougars fall to 7-14 overall and 3-10 in the CACC, while the Griffins improve to 12-10 and 9-5 in conference play.
 
The Cougars host Felician University for a CACC contest on Tuesday, February 15 at 7:30 pm