NEW PALTZ, NY (November 13, 2015) – New Paltz senior R.J. Rosa scored a game-high 27 points, leading a 70-68 second half comeback for the Hawks over Vassar Friday evening. Sophomore Jesse Browne (Barrington, RI/Deerfield Academy) posted a team-best 19 for the Brewers in their season opener, but VC scored just 25 in the second half as the team drops to 0-1 on the year. New Paltz gets off to a 1-0 start.
Vassar got ahead early in the game at the Hawk Center, thanks to some sharp outside shooting. Sophomore Tony Caletti (Mill Valley, CA/Branson) hit his first two three-pointers to give VC a 6-2 edge, while Browne buried his first attempt from deep at the 17:48 mark to put the visitors ahead 9-2.
The Brewers would lead by as many as nine in the opening half, after a free throw from freshman Paul Grinde (Virginia Beach, VA/Cape Henry Collegiate School) made it 37-28 with 3:46 to play in the half. The Hawks remained within striking distance, scoring five points in the closing 30 seconds including a last second tip in from Andrew Seniuk to make it 43-37 at the break.
New Paltz took its first lead since the beginning of the first half at the 12:27 mark in the second, after a layup from Brandon Guest put the hosts ahead 56-55. New Paltz extended the lead on their next possession, getting a three from the right corner to take a 59-55 advantage with 11:25 to play.
The Hawks were ahead by as much as 10, after an Alex Perlman free throw made it 68-58 with 5:29 remaining. VC battled back, going on a 7-0 run down the stretch to cut the deficit to 68-65 at the 3:40 mark. A jumper from Rosa put New Paltz up 70-65, but senior Erikson Wasyl (Durham, CT/Coginchaug) nailed a three-ball with 57 seconds on the clock to keep the Brewers within two.
Vassar had a few late chances in the closing seconds, as the Brewers drew up a play after calling timeout with 18 seconds left. After a missed layup VC got the rebound, but received a technical after calling timeout with zero remaining. A missed New Paltz free throw opened the door for the Brewers, but a last ditch attempt from just inside half court rattled off the rim.
Grinde finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds to post a double-double in his first collegiate game.
The Brewers will return to action next weekend, November 20-21 to compete in the Chuck Resler Tournament hosted by Rochester University. VC will face Ohio Northern University in its opening game on the 20th at 3:00 pm.
--VASSAR--
