Flushing, N.Y. - Minutes before the senior day ceremony that honored the seniors for Queens College, the team learned that all they needed was a victory to clinch a spot in the East Coast Conference championship, which begins Tuesday.  The team rose to the occasion, defeating LIU Post, 51-47, earning the final spot in the ECC championship and ensuring a rematch with Molloy College.

The appetizer for the team came in the pre-game, when Amir Tarif, Patrick Parker and George Holmes were all honored in a ceremony.  The main course, the game, proved to be a feast for the Knights.

The game began with Dejuhan Gray opening the scoring with a jumper just two minutes into action.  However, the Pioneers scored five of the next seven points to lead 5-4.  From there, QC responded with an eight-zero run to lead 12-5.  In that scoring spree, Jeremiah Mordi and Parker each hit three-pointers, while Tarif made a layup.  Parker assisted on the two baskets he didn't score.  LIU Post fought back and closed within one point at the half; as Queens led 28-27 at the break.

The second half got very physical as the defensive intensity was palpable.  Neither side could take a big lead, as the game was even seven different times in the second half, the final time at 1:58, with the score even at 46-46. 

Tarif put QC up for good with a pair of free throws at 1:38.  Mordi extended the lead to four points, 50-46, with a layup.  Finally with 0:16 remaining, Parker iced the game with a late foul shot.

Parker finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.  Mordi had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

The Queens College men's basketball team returns to action on Wednesday, March 5, when they face Molloy College in the ECC quarterfinals.  The game, which will take place at Quealy Gymnasium in Rockville Centre, New York, is slated to begin at 7:00 PM.