Free Throws Seal the 73-70 Win for New Paltz

The SUNY New Paltz men’s basketball team hit seven of eight free throws in the final minute of the game to clinch a 73-70 victory over Keene State on Tuesday night. The Hawks advance to 5-6 on the season, handing Keene State (6-5) their third consecutive loss.

Keene State took its second lead of the game with 3:25 left in regulation on a three pointer by Nate DiSessa to go up 64-62. New Paltz tied the game on layup by Harris Wichard (Merrick/Bellmore JFK) at 3:06, before DiSessa hit another three pointer at 2:43. First year Jayquan Anderson (Bronx/FDA) netted a layup for a one point game, setting the stage for the foul shots. The Hawks hit six consecutive free throws and forced a Keene State turnover to take a 72-67 lead, before Derek D’Amours drained a three pointer with 12 seconds left to make it a two point game. Oppong Agyemang (Windsor, CT/Windsor) went 1-2 from the line to complete the scoring as the Owls missed their final three point attempt.

First year Shereef Taylor (Hyde Park/FDR) led the way for the Hawks with a game-high 21 points and hauled down seven boards. Anderson finished with 12 points on 6-7 from the floor and Wichard chipped in with 10 points as the Hawks shot 44.9% on the night and only committed 10 turnovers.

The Owls were led by Nate Anderson with 17 points and nine rebounds. D’Amours added 13 points and DiSessa finished with 11 points. Keene State shot 42.9% from the floor, outrebounded the Hawks 43-33, however they committed 21 turnovers.

Keene State took an early 11-6 lead before the Hawks went on a 14-0 run over the next 5:04 for a 20-11 lead. New Paltz led by as many as 16 in the first half at 33-17 with 2:20 remaining en route to the 35-21 halftime score. In the second half the Hawks led 44-27 at 17:09 before the Owls went on a 15-0 run for a two point game with 12 minutes to play.

New Paltz returns to action on Friday January 9th at 8pm when they host Morrisville, followed by Geneseo at 8pm on Saturday January 10th.