New Paltz, NY----Despite a valiant effort in their season opener, the Brooklyn College men's basketball team was outlasted at SUNY New Paltz, 79-73, on Friday night. This evening's game was also New Paltz's first contest of the season. Next Up: Brooklyn will look to bounce back on the road on Wednesday at St. Joseph's Long Island at 6:00 pm.
The Bulldogs battled throughout the contest, taking a 39-38 lead into halftime after an entertaining first half that featured eight lead changes. Brooklyn built its advantage behind an efficient offensive performance, shooting 46.4 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
D'aze Hunter led the Bulldogs with 21 points, including 13 in the first half, while Joe Charles contributed 13 points and four steals. Brooklyn also received a strong spark off the bench from Tajuan Thomas, who finished with 19 points and six rebounds.
Hunter extended Brooklyn's lead to six points early in the second half, knocking down a three-pointer to put the Bulldogs ahead, 46-40. The Hawks responded with a run of their own, eventually taking the lead and building a 10-point advantage, 71-61, with just under five minutes remaining.
The Bulldogs refused to go quietly. Thomas helped fuel a late rally, scoring consecutive baskets, including a fast-break dunk, as Brooklyn cut the deficit to 74-68. Hunter followed with a three-pointer to bring the Bulldogs within five, 76-71, with 2:29 remaining.
Despite the late push, New Paltz converted its opportunities at the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the six-point victory.
Hunter finished 7-of-13 from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 at the free-throw line. Thomas was equally impressive, shooting 8-of-11 from the floor while adding three steals. Charles added four steals and four rebounds, while Abdoulaye Gueye chipped in six points and three steals.
For New Paltz, Chris Whyte-Luciano led all scorers with 24 points, connecting on five three-pointers and going 5-of-6 at the free-throw line. Trevor Amalfitano added 11 points, six assists, and two steals, while Isaiah Rivera contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Mike Miller and Justin Noelizaire each chipped in nine points off the bench, with Miller also grabbing five rebounds.
Brooklyn finished the night shooting 46.6 percent from the field and scored 46 points in the paint. The Bulldogs also recorded 12 steals and received 27 points from their bench.
