GAME OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP: Second-Half Heroics Secure First-Round Win

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

They were the surprise upstarts of the Ivy League, dazzling all comers with their offensive prowess and dominating opponents with their defensive supremacy. This was their time to shine—the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

But there it was, the once-friendly scoreboard now content to mock the Crimson faithful at the half: Binghamton 1, Harvard 0.

The crazies of Cambridge had been silenced. In their place stood the green-and-black Binghamton supporters, filling the air at Ohiri Field with their lusty chants.

But there was still the second half.

Inspired by a coach who would not let this season come to an abrupt end, the Crimson took the field with confidence and fire.

Sophomore Mike Fucito relentlessly attacked the left flank, torturing the Bearcats defenders and reawakening the home crowd.

His efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute as classmate John Stamatis fed him the ball in front of the net for the equalizer.

And just as thoughts of overtime began creeping in, freshmen Chey Im and Andre’ Akpan connected for the game-winning goal with 11 minutes to play.

And just like that, the Crimson marched forward in the tournament, giving those Cambridge Crazies one more moment of happiness.

“[The fans] were amazing,” Fucito said after the game. “If ever I felt tired or anything, they just gave me so much energy and positive support. It made a difference.”

—Staff writer Mauricio A. Cruz can be reached at cruz2@fas.harvard.edu.