Camden, N.J.- The Hunter College men's basketball team headed to Rutgers University-Camden to open up the 2023-24 season. The game ended with the Scarlet Raptors securing a 74-60 victory, leaving the Hawks with a 0-1 record and Rutgers-Camden improving to 1-0. 

The first half saw Rutgers University-Camden take and hold the lead as the Scarlet Raptors outscored the Hawks 42-24 prior to the break.

However, in the second half, the Purple and Gold came back with determination. The Hawks outscored Rutgers-Camden 36-32, showing resilience and the ability to make strategic adjustments. Unfortunately, their comeback effort fell short as the home team maintained it's lead and secured the win.

Individual standout performances included Kareem McDonald for the Hawks who contributed 15 points, three rebounds, and a pair of steals. Corey Jones Jr. went 3-3 from beyond the arc, scoring nine points off the bench in addition to three rebounds, while Donovan Cola added seven, contributing to Hunter's 25 bench points, compared to its opponents 20. 

The Hawks total 40 rebounds for the night, just three behind it's opponent with Jack Meyers leading with eight. Luka Jakic and Jeremy Montrose each added seven of their own, in addition to four points a piece. 

Despite the loss, the Hawks shot almost even with the Scarlet Raptors in all categories with a 36.2 FG percentage, compared to their opponent's 36.9%. The two teams converted evenly with 25 points off of turnovers, while the Purple and Gold out shot their opponent from beyond the arc at 39.1%, compared to Rutgers-Camden's 34.4, and slightly edged out their opponent on free throws with a 60.9% while the Scarlet Raptors shot for 60%.