New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz swept its weekend home slate after pulling away with a comfortable 88-62 victory over visiting Plattsburgh Saturday in the Hawk Center.
For the second straight night, the Hawks (8-9 overall, 6-4 SUNYAC) broke 80-plus points for just the third time on the year as they tied their most efficient 3-point shooting game of the season at 37.5 percent from behind the arc while also registering a productive 47.3 percent from the floor. They scored 45 points in the first half after connecting on 50 percent from the field, going 18-for-36 to gain a 45-39 halftime lead.
Trevor Amalfitano, who scored a career-high 29 against Potsdam Friday night, pushed the advantage to 20 for SUNY New Paltz in the second half following a tough finish in the paint with 15 minutes to go.
Oumar Sy registered the Hawks' largest lead, as
Thomas Keane forced a turnover near midcourt, diving on the floor for the steal and getting the ball out to Sy in transition for the fastbreak bucket to extend the score to 52-35 with about 14 minutes left.
Gallery: (1-24-2026) Men's Basketball vs. Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh never cut into the 20-point deficit and SUNY New Paltz rolled down the stretch, as Justin Hannbal recorded his first points of his Hawks career to close out the game and solidify the 88-62 outcome.
LaMar Matthews was the offensive catalyst, as he recorded a career- and game-high 26 points on 13-for-21 shooting with four rebounds, an assist and three steals in 33 minutes. Amalfitano followed with 20 points in 36 minutes, adding four boards, a game-high four assists and one steal.
Mo Sylla totaled 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, while
Isaiah Rivera added 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting in 21 minutes with six rebounds and two assists.
The victory over the Cardinals was critical in SUNYAC standings, moving the Hawks up to fourth on the league leaderboard — a half-game ahead of Plattsburgh.
SUNY New Paltz resumes conference play Tuesday as it begins the second half of its season concluding its home-and-home series starting with Oswego. The Lakers defeated the Hawks in the first meeting Jan. 6, 87-58 in the Hawk Center.
********************
To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.
