NEW PALTZ, NY — The men’s basketball team hosted the 16th ranked Plattsburgh Cardinals this afternoon and fell by a score of 78-65. The Hawks fall to 6-13 on the season and 2-9 in SUNYAC play, while Plattsburgh advanced to 17-2, and 11-0 in the conference.
New Paltz tied the game at 9-9 on a layup by Kyle Nelson at 17:07 and followed with an 8-3 run to take a five point lead in the first. The game was even at 23-23 and Plattsburgh proceed to go on a 7-0 run over the next 1:27. The Hawks cut the lead to four on a three pointer by Nelson but that’s as close as the deficit would fall before the 46-37 intermission.
Plattsburgh led by as many as 19 in the second half at 62-43, before New Paltz went on a 12-0 run sparked by Victor Alvarez three pointer. The deficit stood at seven at 66-59 but that is as close as the Hawks would come before the 78-65 final.
Nelson netted 11 of his 15 points in the first half and finished with 14 rebounds. Three other Hawks finished in double figures including Matt Hauser and Lee Bertram with 12 each. Alvarez added 10 points.
New Paltz returns to action next Friday, February 8th when they host Cortland at 8:00 pm. All fans are asked to wear pink to the game to show their support for breast cancer awareness. Donations will go to the Kay Yow/WBCA Breast Cancer Fund.
