NEW PALTZ, NY — The men’s basketball team hosted SUNYIT this afternoon and fell to the Wildcats 71-64. The deciding factor in the game was free throw shooting as the Hawks made 7-21 (33.3%) compared to the Wildcats’ 14-19 (73.7%). Senior Jimmy Sugrue led New Paltz with a career high 21 points, including six from the arc. Kyle Nelson added 20 points, eight rebounds and Brian Kuar finished in double figures with 10. SUNYIT was led by Derek Haun with 17 points.
The was tied fives time in the first half before the Hawks headed to the locker room with a one point advantage on made free throw by Anthony Bevilaqua. New Paltz maintained the lead until a three pointer by SUNYIT’s Maceo Haynesworth put the Wildcats up by one. The game was tied for the seventh time at 60-60. The Wildcats led 69-63 with 16 second left, when Matt Hauser attempted to cut the led in half with a three point shot that went around the rim and out. Sugrue grabbed the offensive board and was fouled, making 1-2 from the line for a five point game. But Devon Moore netted both free throws in the last few seconds for the 71-64 final.
The Hawks will return to action on Tuesday February 8th when they host Baruch at 7:30 pm.
