Paul Smith’s Yashiro Hurst Jr. splits the University of Albany defense during Tuesday’s game at the Broadview Center. (Provided photo — PSC/Mercedes Rideout)

ALBANY — In a program and school first, the Paul Smith’s College men’s basketball team has gone toe-to-toe with an NCAA Division I program.

On Tuesday, the Bobcats traveled to the capital district to take on the University of Albany Great Danes in front of a large crowd at the Broadview Center, dropping the match 106-57. It was a respectable showing for a small, non-NCAA college in the middle of the Adirondacks; the game was also broadcast on ESPN+.

“I am thrilled that we got to participate in this opportunity,” PSC’s head men’s basketball coach Tim Lamay said. “Our guys competed and represented our program and Paul Smith’s College with a commitment to hard work and success.”

The Bobcats’ Yashiro Hurst Jr. of Muncy, Indiana, scored 22 points, leading all players on the court. The first-year player also added five assists, three rebounds and two steals.

“Playing against UAlbany was crazy,” Hurst said. “The whole process from walking in the building to warming up felt different — you could just tell NCAA DI facilities are on a different level.”

Fellow first-year player Talon Brooks of St. Petersburg, Florida, who has been a standout offensively for the Bobcats in the early season. He also hit double digits with 11 points while adding two assists, two steals and three 3-pointers.

“Playing against UAlbany was one of the best experiences of my life and basketball career,” he said. “The facilities and court are so well taken care of, and the fans show out, so it was an amazing environment to be in. Being able to compete at the highest level with the highest-level players is something I will never forget.”

Also scoring for the visitors were O’neil Mason had eight points, Manny Belcher recorded six and Larenz Miller chipped in with five. Lake Placid native Seb Cecunjanin netted a 3-pointer, while teammate Jack Taylor had two points. The reality of scoring points and competing against a legitimate program like UAlbany is something the players, coaches, fans and Paul Smith’s College community won’t soon forget.

“I’m really excited our guys got to compete on the biggest stage and be able to enjoy the full experience,” Paul Smith’s College athletic director Zack Luzzi said. “I’m proud of how our team maintained their composure and positive mentality from the first whistle to the last.”

“I want to thank Coach Killings, his staff and the team at Albany for bringing us there to play the game,” Lamay said.

The Bobcats are currently 1-6 on the season, although every loss has been competitive. The team was slated to travel back to the capital district on Thursday to take on Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.