Cortland, NY — In a back-and-forth game, the State University of New York at New Paltz couldn't close out its first conference win of the year and fell to SUNY Cortland, 90-79 Tuesday.
 
The Hawks (4-10 overall, 0-7 SUNYAC) jumped out to an early lead that they kept for the first five minutes of the half, but a 15-2 run mid-way through the period by the Red Dragons had them fighting through a 13-point deficit with about eight minutes left before the break.
 
Tristan Wissemann and Isaiah Bien-Aise made shots in the eight-minute stretch that, coupled with made free throws by Tyriek Frazier and Keith Seaman, helped SUNY New Paltz trim the deficit to 38-33 at halftime.
 
The first 15 minutes of the second was all Cortland, as it held the Hawks to nine made baskets and went on a 36-20 run to balloon its advantage to 21 with just more than four minutes to go. The Hawks clawed their way back in, led by Bien-Aise who totaled 13 of SUNY New Paltz's 24 points in the final minutes of regulation.
 
Wissemann knocked down a trey with 20 seconds remaining to get the Hawks within six and the Red Dragons made 1-of-2 from the foul line on their ensuing possession to boost the lead to seven, giving SUNY New Paltz life. The Hawks' following attempt fell short, however, and they were forced to foul to slow down the clock. Cortland finished the next four at the foul line to push the lead to double-figures once again, which cemented the 11-point difference in the outcome.
Bien-Aise finished with a career-high 26 points, shooting 10-for-17 from the field, including 3-for-5 from 3-point range. He matched a career-high 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and three steals on the night. Wissemann followed with 15 points (5-17) and six rebounds.
 
"Saw some good things from the guys, including Isaiah this game," said SUNY New Paltz coach Keith Kenney. "We are confident and know with two wins this weekend we are right back in the playoff hunt. "
 
Austin Grunder was the difference for Cortland, totaling 34 points after making 10-for-15 from the field and 14-of-19 from the foul line with 17 rebounds. The Red Dragons also received a combined 27 points off the bench from Ryan Schmadel and Eric Edwards.
 
"We wanted to defend the 3-point line as they are the best 3-point shooting team in the [league], and we did that," Kenney said. "We could not control Grunder. He's a heck of a player."
 
The Hawks are back on the floor Friday and Saturday when they host conference rivals Buffalo State and Fredonia.

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