Endicott Hands New Paltz Second Loss In As Many Days

ROCHESTER, NY — Matt George hit 10-of-11 shots from the floor and scored a game-high 26 points to lead Endicott to an 80-75 win over SUNY New Paltz this afternoon in Rochester.

In a game that featured 14 lead changes, Endicott erased a 34-20 first half deficit and outscored the Hawks 53-40 in the final 20 minutes to win its opener. New Paltz dropped to 0-2.

Behind a 14-point first half effort from senior guard Matt Daudier (S. Floral Park, NY) New Paltz built a 34-20 lead with five minutes remaining in the half. Endicott cut into that lead with a 7-1 surge in the final four minutes to head into the lockeroom down 35-27.

After shooting just 38 percent from the floor in the first half, Endicott connected on 18-of-30 in the second half. The Power Gulls went ahead for good at the eight-minute mark on a basket that gave them a 56-54. Jeremy Currier and Josh Oxton were also in double figures for Endicott with 13 and 11 points respectively.

Freshman forward John Hauser (East Williston, NY) and Daudier led New Paltz with 16 points. Senior guard Joe Bell (Albany, NY) had 12 points while senior center Steve Ott (New Paltz, NY) was also in double figures with 11 points and seven rebounds.

New Paltz will play its home opener on Tuesday (Nov. 25) against Baruch at 7:00 p.m.