Owls "White out" Corsairs in Upset Win
Keene N.H., 2/11/2008 - In what can be best described as a group effort, the Keene State men’s basketball team pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Division III this season with its thrilling 92-85 overtime win over previously undefeated and number two-ranked UMass Dartmouth on Saturday.
While Keene State students and fans blanketed a packed Spaulding Gym in a sea of white to demonstrate their support, the Owl players did their job on the court. The KSC women came from behind to defeat the Corsairs 59-46, and the Owl men followed with their dramatic victory.
“It’s a tremendous win,” said KSC Coach Rob Colbert after the game. “I’m so thankful to the crowd. I thought they made an unbelievable difference.”
“I can’t say enough about the fans and the support they gave us,” said junior forward Tyler Kathan, who finished with 18 points, including the go-ahead three-point basket in overtime, and 15 rebounds. “Looking up at the stands and seeing everyone in white gave us the emotional lift we needed.”
The “white out” was put together by KSC Assistant Sports Information Director Adam Skibek, who received funds and support from the President, Student Affairs, Residential Life, the Student Center, Athletics, the Center for Health and Wellness, community service, College Relations, SAAC Committee, the Bigs Club, the freshmen class, and both men’s and women’s basketball teams to purchase 1,000 T-shirts.
The event benefited the Keene Community Kitchen. T-shirts were given to every student who brought a canned good to the game or purchased one for $1. The “white out” raised $640 and hopefully will provide the Owls with a boost as they complete their regular season and prepare for the Little East tournament.
