KINGS POINT, N.Y. — A fast start and double-digit lead weren't enough for the Hunter College men's basketball team, as the Hawks fell 57–52 in a hard-fought road contest on Tuesday evening.

Hunter (2-8) controlled the first half with strong defense that stifled USMAA (3-4) and balanced scoring, jumping out to a 30–20 lead at the break. Georgios Gatsias knocked down two threes in the opening 10 minutes and totaled 11 first-half points, helping the Hawks build early momentum.

The Hawks extended their lead to 12 early in the second half, powered by a quick bucket from Jayden Jarrett and an offensive rebound putback from Kristian Nunez. But as the half wore on, the offense stalled.

Despite dominating the glass 44–39 and limiting their opponent to just 33.9 percent shooting, Hunter struggled to convert down the stretch. The team shot just 28.6 percent in the second half and hit only one three-pointer after halftime. Costly missed free throws — 7-of-16 overall — and 13 turnovers proved too much to overcome.

Gatsias finished with a team-high 16 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Jarrett tallied 10 points, including a strong stretch midway through the second half to keep the Hawks within one possession. Jeremiah Otasowie chipped in eight points and eight rebounds, while Nunez led the rebounding effort with seven boards and added three blocked shots.

Hunter returns to conference play on Thursday Dec. 11, with a conference game at CCNY.