Saratoga Springs, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz went on the road and fell in tough game against Skidmore College, 76-72.
The Hawks (1-1 overall) trailed by a slight two-point margin at halftime following a 5-0 run to end the opening 20 minutes by the Thoroughbreds, taking a 33-31 lead over the Hawks at the break.
Rylan Blondo gave SUNY New Paltz back the advantage three minutes into the second half on a bucket in the paint with
Isaiah Bien-Aise adding on a possession later following a defensive stop by the Hawks, also getting his shot to go underneath the rim. Skidmore took back the slight one-point advantage with 14 minutes still left and from there the two teams traded the lead three times before a 18-8 run by the Thoroughbreds allowed them to get out in front by 10 with eight minutes left in regulation.
Blondo found Jonah Bevaqua for two that brought the difference back down to single digits with 6:45 left.
Sean St. Lucia helped close the gap with a steal that led to a dish to Blondo for 3 that cut the score, 64-58.
SUNY New Paltz got within six four more times down the stretch, but never got back the lead. With less than 20 seconds remaining
RJ Meyers-Turner kept the game alive, forcing a turnover on a steal and drilling a 3-pointer to cut the score to 75-70. With time winding down, the Hawks were forced to foul, and Skidmore hit enough at the charity stripe to put the game away.
Blondo was a rebound away from a double-double, finishing with a team-leading 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals in 32 minutes, but battled foul trouble throughout the game fouling out with five personals, along with St. Lucia who ended with three rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes.
Brandon Scott followed with 12 points off the bench, shooting 5-for-11 from the floor with one rebound and a steal. Bevecqua was the only other Hawk in double-figures, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds.
SUNY New Paltz shot 37 percent from the floor, 28 percent (7-25) from 3-point range and just less than 62 percent from the foul line, making 13-for-21 attempts.
The Hawks look to bounce back next weekend, as they open up the Hudson Valley Tournament against Vassar College Friday at 6 p.m. at Bard College.
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