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MAMARONECK, N.Y. The Mamaroneck Tigers lost a close game at White Plains, 45-39, on Wednesday playing without leading scorer Matt Mezansky, who served a one-game suspension.
And though Coach Tyrone Carver expressed a no excuses mentality, the team could have benefitted from Mezanskys presence.
Obviously, we could use his playmaking ability and years of experience down the stretch, Carver said.
Still, the coach made it clear that his team had a chance to win and cannot use Mezanskys absence as an excuse. The Tigers had a two-point lead with four minutes remaining before White Plains pulled out the victory.
Mamaroneck is in the midst of a league schedule in which it is trying to position itself for the postseason. White Plains and the Tigers next opponent, New Rochelle, are all part of a cluster of teams vying for second place behind the powerhouse that is Mount Vernon.
Despite that, Carver said he and his team do not approach the Huguenots or the White Plains Tigers any differently.
We dont pinpoint particular teams. We want to beat everybody. We dont try to jockey to be in second place, Carver said. Obviously, we know its a tall order in playing against those programs. We want to be a team to be reckoned with as well and we dont want to take a back seat to anybody.
Carver also gave his respect to the area opponents.
Theyre great programs, Carver said. We definitely acknowledge what theyve done in the past.
Mezansky earned the one-game suspension during the Slam Dunk Tournament at the Westchester County Center last week. His coach expects him to return to form when the Tigers host the Huguenots on Wednesday.
Matt has played in a bunch of big games in his career, Carver said. Him missing a game is not going to affect him in terms of how he plays.
And speaking of the Slam Dunk Tournament, Carver got to fulfill a lifelong wish to participate in a game at the County Center. He was never able to do so as a player at Sleepy Hollow, but he was glad to be there as a coach.
He also hoped his team will return there in the postseason.
It was an absolute thrill, Carver said. It was great experience for us to be able to play in that arena. Hopefully it will be the first of two trips.
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