Annandale-on-the-Hudson, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz earned a 75-66 win over Bard Saturday to earn the Hudson Valley Classic title.
 
The Hawks improved to 3-0 on the season after the victory over Bard, concluding day two of the Hudson Valley Classic following a 79-71 win over hosting Vassar Friday.
 
After helping SUNY New Paltz to a win over the Brewers off the bench, freshman Isaiah Rivera again led the team with a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds with an assist and a steal. LaMar Matthews followed with 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting in 24 minutes with three rebounds.  
 
The Hawks had five different players in double-figure points, including 42 points off the bench. Following Rivera and Matthews offensively were seniors A.J. Knight (13 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals), Dakoda Smith (12 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal) and Alex Krupinski (12 points, five rebounds).
 
SUNY New Paltz trailed to start the second half with the Raptors up, 33-32. However, the Hawks re-took the lead after a 23-7 run that lasted from midway through the half until a minute to go in regulation, which erased a seven-point deficit and turned into a nine-point lead for SUNY New Paltz capped by a bucket from Smith. A 3-ball brought the deficit down to a two-possession game for Bard, but Krupinski, Rivera and Matthews got to the foul line in the final seconds to ice the win for the Hawks and secured the eight-point victory.
 
 
SUNY New Paltz is back in action Tuesday, going on the road to face Hunter at 6 p.m.


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