BOX SCORE Old Westbury. N.Y.-  In their season opener at the Clark Athletic Center, the Hunter College men's basketball team came up just short in a 72-69 overtime loss to Old Westbury. The Hawks fought hard throughout the game, with several players turning in impressive performances.

Sal Saputo led the Hawks with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while also contributing four assists and four steals in his 41 minutes on the floor. Donovon Cola matched Saputo's offensive output, adding 20 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, including 5-for-7 from three-point range. Casey Meyers was a force on the boards, securing seven rebounds to go with eight points.

Enzo Caceres-Roussel played a key role with six points, five rebounds, and two steals, and Ernie Parada Jr. added nine points off the bench, shooting 4-of-6 from the field. Despite Hunter's strong rebounding effort, collecting 52 total boards, and solid defense that kept the game close through regulation, the Hawks couldn't overcome Old Westbury's late surge in overtime.

It was a valiant effort for Hunter to open the season, and they will look to build on this performance in the coming games. The Hawks return to the court for their home opener on Nov. 13 as they host Pratt in a nonconfernce game at 7:00 p.m.