NEW YORK – The University of Redlands Men's Basketball team (25-4) never trailed by more than two as they upset No. 11 Hampden-Sydney College (HSC), 83-72, in the Sweet 16 on Friday at host New York University (NYU).

The Bulldogs were down two, 9-7, at the 16:46 mark before Kendrick Currey (Manteca, CA) found Nathan Mattera (Fontana, CA) for a three that reclaimed the lead for the U of R.

Over the final four minutes Redlands outscored HSC 11-2 as they took a 13-point lead, 44-31, into the half. During the run, the Bulldogs got two points from Dayvon Gates (Carson, CA) and seven from Omari Ferguson (Chicago, Ill.). Of note, neither team scored after Ferguson's three-pointer with 2:08 to play as the Bulldogs held the Tigers scoreless for more than three minutes.

The first three minutes of the second half saw the Bulldogs put a big dent in the potential Tiger comeback with eight-straight as they found themselves on top by 21, 52-31.

The lead grew to as many as 26, 66-40, with 12:02 left when Gates set up Jake Hlywiak (Valencia, CA) for a three. Hampden-Sydney, though, converted a layup at the 11:46 mark, which began a 29-10 run that brought them to within three possessions, 76-69, with 2:07 to play.

A 5-of-8 mark at the line and a defensive effort that held the Tigers to a 1-for-8 shooting over the final 1:12 helped the Bulldogs secure them a third NCAA Tournament win after having only one in the history of the program.

It was another balanced offensive effort as Currey, Chozen Amadi (Dallas, TX), Ferguson, and Gates all scored in double figures. Currey added six assists and five rebounds and Lucas Gordon (San Marcos, CA) had only four points, but  added eight rebounds.

Host New York University defeated Hardin-Simmons University, 91-59, which means the Bulldogs and Violets will meet in the Elite Eight round with the winner going to Fort Wayne, Indiana for the Final Four on March 20. The matchup with NYU will be tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. pacific daylight time in New York City.