Kings Point, NY - The men's basketball team fell in their final game of the 2015 calendar year to the United States Merchant Marine Academy by a score of 91-74. The Hawk's had point contributions from nine different players but were unable to overcome a nine point first half deficit. With the loss, the Purple and Gold will look for their first win of the season in the 2016 year as they slip to 0-10.
Gerard Carty led the Hawks with 18 points to match his season high, going 4-8 from the floor and shooting 9-14 from the charity stripe. His 11 assists in the game gave him his first double-double of the year. Teammate
Amer Lukac was the only other Hawk to reach double figures in the scoring column with 11.
Alex Mattina,
Dan Shulman and
Vuyisile Beschta combined for 24 points, each contributing eight a piece.
The Hawks shot 43.1 percent from the field as a team and drained nine-three pointers while making 21-33 from the foul line.
Hunter played from behind from the start of the first, but managed to tie the game once at 11-11 and pulled within three on four different occasions. However, the duo of Mariner Matt Miller and David Smith, who combined for 30 points in the opening act, set the Hawks behind by nine at the conclusion of the initial 20 minutes. They accounted for 11 of USMMA's 15 field goals, five of their six three pointers, and half of theif foul shots.
A
Brian Kruger triple to kick off the second half made it a six-point affair. However, the deficit quickly ballooned to double figures. Despite shooting better from the field, (48.1 percent), the Purple and Gold were unable to match the home squad's offensive output that included shooting 56.7 percent from the floor, a perfect 6-6 from the three-point line and making 10-13 from the charity stripe. The margin grew to as much as 30 at one point but the Hawks managed to cut it down to 16 with 2:22 left to play. However, it was not enough as the Mariners held on for the win.
The Hawks are back in action as they kick off 2016 with a home contest against CUNYAC rival, John Jay on Saturday, January 2.
