NEW PALTZ — New Paltz started off hot, shooting 48 percent over the first 20 minutes, and led by nine (32-23) at the half, but converted on just 7-of-24 shots the rest of the way and were edged by regionally-ranked Vassar College, 58-52, on Wednesday night at Elting Gymansium.
Tirek Gayle had a game-high 16 points and 15 rebounds for the (11-4) Brewers, an Honorable Mention selection in the latest NCAA Division III East Region poll.
New Paltz forward Robert Jones, currently ranked third nationally in rebounding, had eight boards and added 12 points to lead the (4-10) Hawks. Fellow big man Pat Stirk added nine points and four blocks while Mario Christian had six points, six rebounds, six blocks, and three steals for New Paltz, which hosts SUNYAC rival Oneonta at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
