CORTLAND, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team fell to State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) rival Cortland, this evening 80-68. The Hawks drop to 5-15 on the season and 2-10 in the SUNYAC while Cortland improves to 19-2 on the year and 11-1 in the SUNYAC.
Despite shooting 47.4% from the field, SUNY New Paltz found themselves down by five points at the half, 42-37. Junior forward John Hauser (East Williston, NY) ignited the offense for the Hawks with 18 points and ten rebounds. Junior point-guard Matt Irwin (Brooklyn, NY) collected 13 points and six assists, while sophomore point-guard Jimmy Sugrue (Brooklyn, NY) netted 12 points and was four-of-four from three-point range. Freshman forward Steven Lewis (Brooklyn, NY) contributed ten points for the Hawks in the affair.
Cortland increased their lead, out scoring SUNY New Paltz 38-31 in the second half to solidify the 80-68 win. Early in the second half, the Red Dragons lead by as many as eight points but SUNY New Paltz cut the Red Dragons’ lead to one. The Hawks had an impressive 5-0 run, but key misses from the field allowed Cortland to regain control and rebuild their lead to 12 points in the final minute of play.
The Red Dragons played stellar defense snatching nine steals and 23 defensive rebounds. Senior forward Frank Ranieri (Cicero, NY) led the Red Dragons with 25 points, seven rebounds and shot nine-of-sixteen from the field. Junior guard Dave Jutton (Red Hook, NY) netted 17 points and was four-of seven from behind the arch. Senior center Scott Taggart (Sidney Center, NY) finished the night with a double double scoring ten points and snatching 14 boards.
The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team will return to action on February 8, at 7:00 pm when they will travel to Castleton State.
