Rutgers Escapes Island Federal Credit Union Arena With A Narrow Win
-Stony Brook Athletics
Stony Brook – A second half drought for the Stony Brook men’s basketball team proved to be the difference-maker as the Seawolves fell to Rutgers, 71-66, at Island Federal Credit Union Arena Saturday night. Stony Brook (3-6) got back within one with just over two minutes to play, but were never able to take back the lead they had over the Scarlet Knights (9-1) for most of the night.
Boals’ Reaction
“What a great college basketball game. I know I say it a lot, but what a phenomenal atmosphere. This place gets louder and louder every game,” said head coach Jeff Boals. “I thought our guys battled. I’m really disappointed we lost the game, I thought we should have won the game. We are getting better. There was a stretch where there was a 15-0 run, we got good looks at the basket but we missed it. I really thought that was the game. I’m just really proud of our guys the way they battled.”
Highlights
- Junior Roland Nyama hit a long three on Stony Brook’s first possession to get things going, but the two teams traded baskets early on.
- Seven straight points for the Seawolves helped them control the tempo in the first half. Rutgers was able to get back within one by the halftime break.
- Stony Brook again started play with a make from beyond the arc, as junior UC Iroegbu connected from three to begin the second half. Senior Lucas Woodhouse followed it up with a three of his own the next time down the floor to force an early timeout by the Scarlet Knights.
- The Seawolves tacked on two more buckets to earn their largest lead of the night, up 10 in the opening minutes of the second half.
- A lull for Stony Brook midway through the half lost Stony Brook the lead and a 15-0 run by the Scarlet Knights gave them a six-point lead by the under-eight media timeout.
- Rutgers hit a dry spell of its own late in the game as it went the final 7:59 of regulation without a field goal, but it was able to make 10 free throws during that span.
- Stony Brook took advantage of the lull working its way back within one with 2:01 left to play, and saw a potential game-tying three from the corner go in-and-out with three seconds on the clock.
Notes
- Yeboah’s 18 points marks a new season best for the newcomer. This is the sixth time this season he has scored in double figures.
- Nyama’s 17 points are a season high. This is the third time in his five starts this season he has reached double figures.
- Despite both teams limiting turnovers, the Seawolves scored 18 points off Rutgers mishaps.
Up Next
The Seawolves return to action on Tuesday, Dec. 13 as they take on Hofstra on the road at 7 p.m.
Photos: Stony Brook Athletics-Jim Harrison | Cover Photo: Tyrell Sturdivant and Akwasi Yeboah celebrate in the second half of Saturday night’s game against Rutgers. Story Photo: Stony Brook head coach Jeff Boals in front of his team’s bench.
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