Men’s Basketball Stuns Defending National Champions, 77–73

Men’s Basketball Stuns Defending National Champions, 77–73
February 11, 2026
Box Score

Queensbury, NY –

The SUNY Adirondack men's basketball team delivered one of its biggest wins of the season Saturday afternoon, knocking off the nationally ranked No. 11 and defending national champions, 77–73, in front of an energized home crowd.

The Timberwolves set the tone early, commanding a nine-point halftime lead and maintaining control for the majority of the contest. Adirondack's physical presence and relentless pace proved to be the difference, as they capitalized on Mohawks' lack of size and controlled the paint on both ends of the floor.

Freshman big man Mekhi Walker put together a dominant performance, scoring 19 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting while pulling down 10 rebounds to secure a double-double. Walker's interior presence and ability to finish around the rim anchored the Timberwolves' offensive attack throughout the afternoon.

Sophomore point guard Messiah McLaurin, a fellow Las Vegas native, added 15 points and provided steady leadership, helping Adirondack manage the tempo and execute down the stretch. His poise and playmaking ensured the Timberwolves maintained their advantage late in the game as the nationally ranked opponent attempted to mount a comeback.

With the victory, SUNY Adirondack improves to 15–9 on the season and secures its third win over a nationally ranked opponent this semester—an impressive statement as postseason play approaches. The Timberwolves are heating up at the right time, building momentum and confidence as they prepare for the upcoming regional tournament.

Head Coach, Maxx Sweet, and staff praised the team's resilience, physicality, and commitment to the game plan.

"This group continues to grow and believe," Sweet said. "Beating the defending national champions shows what we're capable of when we compete for 40 minutes."

The Timberwolves now turn their focus to maintaining their strong form as they head down the final stretch of the regular season, looking to carry this momentum into regional tournament play.