Tuesday hoops roundup, 2/4

The margin of error for Greg Davis' Troy High basketball team has disappeared.

With three games remaining, the Flying Horses are back in second place in the Suburban Council Gray Division after Bethlehem collected a receipt Tuesday night at Zotto Gym, 57-48. Marquis Hamby led Troy with 14 points in a losing effort. Kendrick McCann was the only player in double figures for the Eagles with 10 points.

Columbia moved back into first place in the division by beating Guilderland, 64-57. The Blue Devils have just two games left, at Colonie on Friday (weather permitting) and Senior Night on Valentine's Day vs. luckless Shaker.

The standings posted on the Albany Times-Union's website are incomplete, as per usual. What we found was that Columbia had lost to Shenendehowa on January 17. The schedule, as posted onsite, is a mess.

Averill Park finds itself in a tie for third after losing to Saratoga, 61-45. Dave Pugilese's Warriors will be in Troy on Friday (weather permitting), looking to pick up their first win over Troy since the Flying Horses entered the Suburban Council.

Troy's final week might as well be Hell Week.

They travel to CBA for their final regular season road game next Tuesday. CBA beat Schenectady, 66-57, on Tuesday, knocking the Patriots into a third place tie with Averill Park. Hagen Foley led all scorers with 27 points for the Brothers, who will go into the Troy game looking to play spoiler against their ancient nemesis. Troy closes with Senior Night on Valentine's Day vs. Saratoga, but if they're not careful, Troy could wind up limping into the postseason.
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On the women's side, Averill Park can clinch the Suburban Council Gray Division title for the second time in three years with a win over Troy on Friday (weather permitting). Troy (6-6 league, 9-8 overall) has played two more games than Averill Park (8-2, 13-3), and finally knocked a collective monkey off their backs by beating Bethlehem, 63-46. Jenalyse Alarcon had 17 points to lead Troy, which had three players in double figures. They'll need that same kind of superlative performance this weekend, as they'll play twice in less than 24 hours, at Averill Park, and then, a non-league matinee vs. Whitesboro, if they want a chance to win their first division title.

First place in the Blue Division will be on the line next Tuesday when Saratoga & Shen meet, and that's both in men's & women's play.
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A wintry mix is in the forecast for tomorrow and Friday, which is why we're cautioning about the possibility of games being postponed on Friday night. Check with your schools before venturing out.
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Meanwhile, in the Colonial Council, the race for the Liberty Division title has suddenly become a three team race.

Second place Lansingburgh defeated Ichabod Crane, 73-51, and will play 3rd place Schalmont on Friday (maybe) before a rematch with division leader LaSalle, which was idle last night. Kobi Wallace and Isaiah Knight led 'Burgh with 20 points each in the win. The Sabres, off a win over Mohonasen last night, have just two league games left, or so it'd appear, as they're scheduled for a non-league game vs. Norwich at SUNY-Cobleskill on February 22, which would be in the midst of sectional play, so I don't know the accuracy of that notation. Schalmont closes their league schedule by playing Ichabod Crane next Tuesday.

Watervliet moved into sole possesion of first place in the Patriot Division after beating Voorheesville, 59-54. JJ Chestnut led all scorers with 25 points for the Cannoneers. Zaveon Little had 18 points to lead the Blackbirds. Watervliet is idle until next Tuesday, when they close at Ravena. Voorheesville will have Senior Night Friday (maybe) vs. Catholic Central.