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Stony Brook clinches third America East title in last four years

Steve Pikiell

Stony Brook coach Steve Pikiell speaks with an official during the second half of his team’s 73-62 loss to Connecticut in an NCAA college basketball game in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

AP

When Stony Brook hired Steve Pikiell to run its basketball program in April 2005 there was a lot of work to be done on Long Island. Struggling in the classroom and on the court, the Seawolves reached the semifinals of the America East tournament just once in their four seasons in the conference pre-Pikiell.

It’s safe to say that the former George Washington assistant has changed the culture of Stony Brook basketball. And on Sunday afternoon the Seawolves wrapped up at least a share of their third regular season America East title in the last four years, winning 69-53 at Maine.

Fifth-year senior Tommy Brenton was outstanding against the Black Bears, accounting for 13 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists in the victory, falling three assists short of posting a second triple-double against Maine this season. In total three players reached double figures and two more scored eight points apiece in what was a balanced offensive effort.

The Seawolves have three players averaging between 11.0 and 12.1 points per game: freshman forward Jameel Warney (12.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg), junior guard Anthony Jackson (11.1) and senior guard David Coley (11.0), and it isn’t uncommon to see eight players reach double digits in minutes.

But even with Stony Brook’s recent success there’s still one step to be taken: the program’s first NCAA tournament appearance as a Division I member.

In each of the last two season the Seawolves have reached the title game of the America East tournament, losing at Boston University in 2011 and falling at home to Vermont last season.

With the versatile Brenton and some capable scorers leading the way, could this be the year that Stony Brook takes that step? With the top seed in next month’s conference tournament already in hand, the Seawolves are well-positioned to do just that.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.