NEW PALTZ, NY (November 21, 2017) – Vassar men's basketball fell to local rival New Paltz, 79-72, in New Paltz on Tuesday night.
 
The Brewers held a 37-34 at the halftime break, but were outscored by 10 points in the final 20 minutes. Jesse Browne was Vassar's leading scorer with 22 points while also adding five rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal in 37 minutes. Paul Grinde chipped in 17 points and nine boards on the night as well. Vassar had six players come off the bench for them against the Hawks and they combined for 29 points.
 
The lead went back and forth in the first half, with the Brewers largest lead at five points. Midway through the opening half, Browne tied the game at 16 with a three-pointer assisted by Hunter Gettings. One minute later, Browne hit Mason Dyslin for the jumper, and Browne capped off the run with another three, this time from Owen Murray.
 
But the Hawks fought back with a 10-3 scoring run over the next four minutes to take a lead of their own. The Brewers regained their momentum and outscored New Paltz 13-8 to end the half with the lead.
 
Just two and half minutes into the second half, New Paltz tied the score at 41-41. The game would remain close for the four minutes with Vassar regaining the lead after a Gettings three at the 13:31 mark. But that was the last lead Vassar would hold all night as New Paltz held on to their lead for the remaining time.
 
Tony Caletti cut the lead down to just two, when he nailed a three-pointer with under eight minutes to play. But the Hawks quickly put together a 7-2 scoring run that was too much for the Brewers. The Hawks hit their free throws down the stretch and didn't allow Vassar back into the game at that point.
 
The Brewers shot 42.9% from the field against the Hawks, while connecting on 7 of 21 shots from beyond the three-point line.
 
Vassar plays their first game at home next Tuesday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. when they host Williams College in the AFC.