New Hampshire basketball delivered a thrilling 81-80 triple-overtime victory over Binghamton on January 22, 2026. The Wildcats survived an intense America East clash at Lundholm Gym in Durham. Will this stunning upset spark a tournament run for the underdogs?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: New Hampshire 81, Binghamton 80 in 3OT
- Game Location: Lundholm Gymnasium, Durham, New Hampshire
- Star Player: Belal El Shakery led New Hampshire with 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 total boards
- Conference Impact: New Hampshire improved to 1-3 in America East, while Binghamton falls to 0-5 in conference play
A Marathon Battle in the Paint Goes the Distance
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New Hampshire and Binghamton traded blows throughout an exhausting three-overtime affair. Binghamton’s Wes Peterson Jr. dominated with a game-high 26 points, but his performance couldn’t overcome the Wildcats’ grit. Both teams played defensive chess, with neither able to pull away decisively in regulation. Tyler Bike added 18 points for New Hampshire, while Zyier Beverly scored 21 for Binghamton. The back-and-forth intensity never wavered across five periods of basketball.
New Hampshire’s rebounding dominance proved pivotal. Belal El Shakery’s 16 boards anchored the Wildcats’ 46 total rebounds, matching Binghamton’s effort on the glass. Both squads finished tied at 46 rebounds, but New Hampshire’s efficiency in crucial moments separated the teams when fatigue set in.
El Shakery Delivers When It Matters Most
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Belal El Shakery became the Wildcats’ unlikely hero, recording a near double-double with clutch rebounds in all three overtime periods. His 14 points came on 6-of-13 shooting, showcasing efficiency under pressure. New Hampshire coach relied heavily on El Shakery’s interior presence as Binghamton pressed for late-game buckets. Every rebound mattered in the dying moments when New Hampshire’s Belal El Shakery made a driving layup with 2:18 remaining in triple overtime to seal the victory.
KiJan Robinson added 14 points and 5 assists for New Hampshire, distributing Wildcats offense throughout the marathon. Davide Poser contributed 12 points, rounding out a balanced scoring attack. Binghamton couldn’t complete a comeback despite Peterson Jr.’s heroics, falling just one point short in the most dramatic way possible.
| Stat | New Hampshire | Binghamton |
| Final Score | 81 | 80 |
| Field Goal % | 37% (29-78) | 45% (29-64) |
| Three Point % | 26% (10-39) | 40% (6-15) |
| Total Rebounds | 46 | 46 |
“This victory shows character and resilience in our program as we battle in America East competition.”
— New Hampshire Athletics, Game Summary
Conference Standings Tighten After Shocking Triple-Overtime Victory
New Hampshire’s upset win reshuffles the America East landscape. The Wildcats improved to 5-12 overall and 1-3 in conference, while Binghamton dropped to 4-16 overall and 0-5 in the conference. UMBC and Vermont lead the America East at 4-1, while New Hampshire remains in eighth place but now carries crucial momentum. Binghamton’s winless conference record creates urgency for the Bearcats in upcoming road games. This triple-overtime thriller highlights how thin the margins are in NCAA Division I basketball within the America East Conference.
New Hampshire’s defensive intensity in overtime periods frustrated Binghamton’s offense. Free throw shooting proved critical, with New Hampshire converting 62% (13-21) compared to Binghamton’s 89% (16-18). Despite New Hampshire’s free throw struggles, execution in crunch time separated the teams. Both squads committed similar turnovers, with New Hampshire at 11 turnovers and Binghamton at 13. The Jan. 22 thriller showcases college basketball’s unpredictability.
What’s Next for the Wildcats After This Epic Turnaround?
New Hampshire basketball faces critical America East matchups ahead. Can the Wildcats build on this triple-overtime victory and climb the conference standings? Belal El Shakery’s rebound dominance and clutch execution provide hope for New Hampshire fans. Binghamton must regroup quickly despite the heartbreaking 80-81 loss at Lundholm. Wes Peterson Jr.’s scoring prowess suggests Binghamton won’t stay winless in conference for long. The America East Conference remains wide open, and January 22’s stunning overtime result proves every game matters. Will New Hampshire use this confidence to become tournament contenders, or was it a fleeting moment?
Sources
- ESPN – Live game coverage and final box score statistics for New Hampshire vs Binghamton
- America East Conference – Official standings and conference statistics through January 22, 2026
- Fox Sports – Game summary and detailed play-by-play analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.