Purchase, N.Y. — Hunter College's men's basketball team put up a valiant fight Tuesday night, but a late surge by Manhattanville sent the Hawks to a 72-64 defeat at Kennedy Gymnasium.

Sal Saputo led the way for Hunter, putting on a dominant performance with 29 points and 13 rebounds in 38 minutes. The senior forward's scoring came in bursts, including a personal 7-0 run in the second half that helped the Hawks close the gap to within a single possession. Saputo shot 9-for-21 from the field, including five three-pointers, and converted six of seven free throws.

Hunter (1-6) struggled with efficiency early, shooting 31 percent from the field in the first half, which ended with them trailing 28-24. The Hawks improved after halftime, shooting 45 percent and outscoring Manhattanville 40-44 in the second half, but the early deficit and struggles from long range proved too much to overcome. Hunter finished 10-for-34 from three-point range.

Casey Meyers added nine points and two steals in 27 minutes, going 4-for-7 from the floor. Donovon Cola chipped in seven points and four rebounds off the bench, while Jayden Jarrett contributed six points and three rebounds. Enzo Caceres-Roussel struggled with his shot, going 1-for-8, but led the Hawks with five assists.

The Hawks held their own on the boards, matching Manhattanville's rebounding total with 36 and capitalizing on turnovers with 12 points off Manhattanville miscues.

The Hawks look open up conference play in Hunter's annual Homecoming on Friday as they host cross-town rival Baruch in the Sportsplex at 8:15 p.m.