BUFFALO, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team fell to 1-3 in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) with a 63-62 loss to Buffalo State.
SUNY New Paltz (4-8, 1-3) battled back from a 12-point, second half, Bengal lead to come within one basket of the win. A last second three-point heave fell short for the Hawks, who fought the Bengals to the bitter end. Junior forward Bobby Kaible (Saugerties, NY) posted a career-high 17 points, shooting five-of-nine from behind the three-point line. The Hawks received a balanced performance from junior guard John Hauser (East Williston, NY). Hauser totaled 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Junior guard Matt Irwin (Brooklyn, NY) added ten points and three steals in the loss.
The Bengals also held a 12-point edge in the opening half. The Hawks, however, chipped away at the Buffalo State (9-4, 3-1) lead and entered halftime down only five points, 36-31. Unfortunately, the Bengal’s post play proved too much for the Hawks. Sophomore forward Dion Mozelle (Rego Park, NY) and junior center Dante Griggs (Bronx, NY) each recorded double-doubles for the Bengals. Each scored 14 points, Mozelle grabbed 15 rebounds, six offensively, while Griggs pulled down 11. Senior forward Gregg Jones (Syracuse, NY) led all players with 20 points.
The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team will play conference rival Fredonia tomorrow, Saturday, January 14 at 4:00 pm.
