Men's Basketball Wins Overtime Classic vs Herkimer College, 76–75, Moves on to Region III Semifinals

BATAVIA, NY — In one of the most electrifying games of the season, the No. 3 seeded Mohawk Valley Community College men's basketball team outlasted Herkimer College in a 76–75 overtime thriller Thursday afternoon at Genesee Community College.

The playoff battle featured elite shot-making, physical play, and relentless momentum swings — culminating in a final defensive stop that sealed the victory.

Herkimer shot an impressive 52.9 percent from the field and was powered by Kenny Freeman's 32-point, 17-rebound performance, while James Taylor Jr. added 15 points and Josiah Smith chipped in 10. The Generals carried a 68–68 deadlock into overtime after closing regulation on a strong run.

In the extra session, the drama only intensified.

Darnell Childs delivered a clutch performance for the Hawks, finishing with 23 points and seven rebounds, including key free throws late. Kevion Cummings added 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Jaeshaun Felder contributed 14 points and three steals in 45 gritty minutes. Sincere Smith provided an efficient 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, and Brandon Way Jr. gave the Hawks a spark off the bench with five points.

Despite being outrebounded 35–17, MVCC made up the difference with defensive pressure and ball security. The Hawks forced 19 Herkimer turnovers and committed just nine themselves — a decisive factor in such a tightly contested game.

With seconds remaining in overtime and the Hawks clinging to a one-point lead, Herkimer pushed the ball up the floor for one final opportunity. The Generals got a shot off before the horn, but it would not fall. As the buzzer sounded, the Hawks erupted — surviving one of the most dramatic finishes of the postseason.

MVCC shot 50 percent from the field (28-of-56) and knocked down 14 free throws, including critical attempts in the final minutes. The Hawks outscored Herkimer 8–7 in overtime to secure the 76–75 victory.

With the win, MVCC advances to today's Region III semifinal matchup against No. 2 seeded Genesee Community College. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM in Batavia, with a berth in the Region III Championship Game on the line.

The winner will have the opportunity to earn an automatic bid to the 2026 NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Championship — a 12-team field featuring the nation's elite programs. Eight automatic bids are awarded to district champions, with four at-large selections completing the bracket.

Live stream is available for purchase, live stats are provided on the NJCAA Region III website: https://www.njcaaregion3.org/landing/index