NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Hunter College men's basketball team fell 81-71 to Manhattanville University on Tuesday evening at the Sportsplex. 

Despite a strong showing from their frontcourt and multiple second-half rallies, the Hawks (0-4) couldn't overcome a hot-shooting Valiants squad.

JP Maaba led Hunter with a game-high 19 points, including a 5-for-6 effort from the free throw line. The guard also dished out eight assists and collected three rebounds in a well-rounded performance.

Sloan Ireland was dominant in the paint, notching a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. He scored consistently through contact and gave the Hawks several second-chance opportunities, especially in the second half.

Jeremiah Otasowie added 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting and provided a spark down low, while Zachary Lebowitz added eight points off the bench and contributed a team-best seven defensive rebounds and two assists. Demetrios Kontos chipped in five points, including a second-half three-pointer that gave Hunter a brief lead.

After trailing 36–32 at the half, the Hawks rallied early in the second with a 19–13 run that included buckets from Maaba, Otasowie, and Kontos. A corner triple by Lebowitz gave Hunter a 51–48 edge with just under 13 minutes remaining — their first lead since the opening minutes.

However, Manhattanville responded with a 13–2 run and shot over 53% from the field for the game. The Hawks were outscored 45–39 after the break, and their rally stalled late despite buckets from Maaba and Ireland.

Hunter shot 49.2% from the floor and 90% from the line but was undone by 11 turnovers and just four made three-pointers. The Hawks held their own on the glass, outrebounding Manhattanville 35–26, but were limited to just two second-chance points.

The Hawks return to the court on Nov. 20 as they host SUNY Maritime at 6 p.m.