Second-Half Surge Lifts Mohawk Valley Past Vikings, 79-70

CONTACT: Julia Quinlan, j.quinlan@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7863 or (518) 530-7376
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Wednesday, February 18, 2026

The Hudson Valley Community College men's basketball team dropped a 79-70 home decision to Mohawk Valley Community College on Wednesday night at the McDonough Sports Complex.

Hudson Valley (9-16, 3-8) carried a 43-37 lead into halftime after a strong opening 20 minutes, but Mohawk Valley (15-7, 8-3) used a 42-point second half to surge ahead and secure the road win.

Kemontae Thawe led the Vikings with a game-high 26 points, knocking down 6-of-8 from three-point range while adding 10 rebounds for a double-double. Ian Fisher-Layton added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, and Jacob Baccaro contributed 13 points. Julius Reed chipped in eight points and six steals, while the Vikings shot 44.4 percent from beyond the arc (8-18).

Mohawk Valley shot 52.4 percent from the floor (33-63) and was perfect from the free throw line (9-9). Jaeshaun Felder paced the visitors with 20 points, while Darnell Childs added 19. Donald Grant Jr. (12 points, nine rebounds) and Sincere Smith (13 points) also finished in double figures.

Turnovers proved pivotal, as Hudson Valley committed 19 miscues compared to 20 by Mohawk Valley, but the Hawks capitalized in key second-half moments to swing momentum. MVCC also held a 39-31 rebounding edge.

The Vikings will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host SUNY Adirondack at 2 p.m. at the McDonough Sports Complex, following the women's Senior Day matchup earlier in the afternoon.