BOX SCORE 1 | BOX SCORE 2


POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – The men's basketball team traveled to Vassar College this past weekend to compete in the Vassar College Tip-Off Tournament.  The Hawks squeaked out a 63-60 win in the first game against Cazenovia College, but fell in the championship game to host school Vassar College 66-67. After the tournament, the Hawks record moves to 1-2, 0-0 CUNYAC.

HUNTER, 63- CAZENOVIA, 60
The Wildcats dominated the Hawks in the first 28 minutes of play, and Hunter found themselves down 18 points with 12 minutes to go in regulation.  The Hawks didn't take the lead until the last five minutes of play, when freshman Ben Mayell hit a three pointer to give the Hawks 55-54 lead.  After a furious rally by both teams in the remaining minutes, Hunter was able to pull off the win in dramatic fashion.

The Hawks were led by sophomore forward Matthew Hunter, who tallied 15 points and went 7-20 on the floor.  Junior guard Lorenzo Brown followed Hunter with 10 points and had 4 offensive rebounds.

“I am really proud of our team. They battled from behind and found a way to win. Shooting 80% from the FT line and holding Cazenovia to 26% shooting in the second half was the key to victory. Great team win and defining moment for our young Hawks,” says head coach Shay Berry about the Hawks first win of the season.

With the win, the Hawks would go on to play Vassar College in the finals, who beat NYU-Poly in the first round.

VASSAR, 67- HUNTER, 66
The first half was point for point, until the last five minutes when Vassar started increasing the gap, going up 35-23 at half time.  The Hawks started retaliating in the beginning of the second half, when freshman Taulan Ibaj netted a three pointer to give the Hawks the lead for the first time in the game, 51-49.  It was a back a fourth battle the entire second half, with Hunter being up 58-53 with only six minutes to go.  After two made foul shots by Vassar, the Brewers' John Donnelly drove the lane and hit a mid-range floater to give his team a 67-66 win. 

Hunter's Ben Mayell's desperation shot fell short as time expired.

The Hawks were once again led by Hunter, who had 17 points and went 5-9 on the floor.  Sophomore Jerrell Anthony tallied 10 points and three steels while freshman Taulant Ibraj also had 10 points and went 4-8 on the floor.
Matthew Hunter was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Hawks are back on the court on Tuesday, November 20^th when they host Yeshiva College.  The game is slated for an 8pm start.