OLD WESTBURY, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team fell to Old Westbury this evening 72-62. The Hawks drop to 3-4 on the season while Old Westbury improves to 2-2 on the year.
Despite shooting 47.4% from the field, SUNY New Paltz found themselves down by four points at the half, 28-24. Senior center Jerome Richards (Kingston, Jamaica) ignited the offense for the Hawks with 14 points and ten rebounds. Senior guard Keith Crichlow (Central Islip, NY) collected 13 points and five boards, while junior guard Matt Irwin (Brooklyn, NY) netted ten points and 5 assists on the night.
Old Westbury increased their lead, out scoring SUNY New Paltz 44-38 in the second half to solidify the 72-62 win. Early in the second half, the Panthers lead by as many as 12 points but SUNY New Paltz cut the Panthers’ lead to one. The Hawks had an impressive 9-0 run, but key misses from the free throw line allowed Old Westbury to regain control and rebuild their lead to 13 points in the final minute of play.
The Panthers played stellar defense snatching 15 steals and 21 defensive rebounds. Senior guard Michael Garrett (Brooklyn, NY) led the Panthers with 29 points, six assists, and shot 10-of-14 from the field. Senior guard Russell Brereton (Amityville, NY) netted ten points and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior guard Ramel Phillips (Central Islip, NY) finished the night with 13 points.
The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team will return to action on December 10, at 4:00 pm when they will host John Jay College.
