The SUNY New Paltz Men’s Basketball Team Drops Season Opener

CLINTON, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team lost their season opener to Messiah College, 84-75 this evening.

SUNY New Paltz (0-1) entered the second half tied 35-35, but Messiah College quickly gained the lead, until junior forward John Hauser (East Williston, NY) netted a three pointer keeping the Hawks in the game tied at 40 a piece. The Falcons quickly regained the lead on a basket by senior forward Steven King (Wanaque, NJ) 43-40. Messiah College maintained the lead until junior forward Bobby Kaible (Saugerties, NY) snatched a rebound of a missed three pointer and converted the lay-up, giving the Hawks the lead 44-43 with 14:30 left to play. The Falcons (1-0), however, were able to capitalize on late Hawk turnovers and missed field goals to reclaim their lead and pull out the 84-75 win.

The Hawks had four players in double figures. Junior Matt Irwin (Brooklyn, NY) finished with 10 points and six assists, senior guard John Carter (Mount Vernon, NY) had 15 points, junior guard John Hauser (East Williston, NY) had 17 points and junior forward Bobby Kaible(Saugerties, NY) added 10 points in the loss. Junior forward Jared Yoder (Lancaster, PA) led Messiah College with 23 points and five rebounds, while Zach Wiernicki (Vernon, NY) finished with 20 points and nine rebounds for the Falcons.