Beating BU bittersweet for Rice

12/4/2012 (Updated 10:55:22 PM)

VESTAL -- Seeing King Rice stand victorious on the hardwood here in the Southern Tier is a familiar scene, but its one that hadn't been seen in awhile.

That was until Monday night.

Rice, the Binghamton-native and former Patriot, returned home to a warm welcome, and with an even warmer team. His Monmouth Hawks played great basketball shooting 52-percent from the floor, and forcing 21 turnovers from the Bearcats en route to a 12-point win.

Despite the success, King says beating this BU squad was a little bittersweet.

"I've been pulling for Binghamton for a long time. Every time they had a coach here I tried to support them. I love this town. I come and see my mom, probably every three weeks, for a day or two. And I want (BU) to be great," said Rice.

Both Rice and Bearcats Head Coach Tommy Dempsey say they would like to continue the series between the two teams  possibly as soon as next season with Binghamton traveling to Monmouth.