Jan. 14, 2006

Box Score

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Despite receiving 17 points and eight rebounds from Bobby Santiago, the Stony Brook men's basketball team fell to New Hampshire, 54-50, in a tightly contested America East conference game this afternoon at the Indoor Sports Complex.

With the loss, Stony Brook falls to 3-11, 1-4 in America East play, while New Hampshire improves to 5-11, 3-3 in the league, winning their last three conference match-ups.ead

"It is disappointing to lose a hard fought game in front of your fans," said head coach Steve Pikiell. "We have to do a better job of protecting the basketball in order to win close games."

Sloppy play by the Seawolves and consistent free-throw shooting by the Wildcats proved to be the difference down the stretch. Stony Brook committed three crucial turnovers in the final 1:54 seconds, while UNH went 7-for-8 from the charity stripe in the final minute to put the game out of reach.

Mike Popoko took control early in the second half, netting seven points in the first 5:11 of the second half, going 3 for 3 from the field, and giving the Seawolves a 30-25 lead. New Hampshire would not go away, taking a four-point lead after a conventional three-point play by Brandom Odom to give the Wildcats a 44-40 advantage with 5:35 to play. The Seawolves responded with a Santiago three and a Beauford lay-up to regain the lead, 45-44, with 4:25 to play. After a free-throw by Blagov Janev and a lay-up down low by Jamaal Caterina, New Hampshire regained a two point lead with just over 2 minutes to play, up 47-45.

Stony Brook jumped out to an early 5-0 lead just 1:04 into the contest, only to have the Wildcats respond, on a 9-4 run to tie the contest at nine with 12:55 remaining in the half. Stony Brook regained a five-point lead with 6:21 left to play after a jumper by Bobby Santiago.

The Seawolves dominated the glass, holding a 34-23 advantage, including winning the battle on the offensive side of the boards. Stony Brook committed 19 turnovers on the afternoon, compared to just 10 by the Wildcats.

Popoko finished with 12 points and five boards, while Tre Cunningham recorded four points and pulled down eight rebounds. Mitchell Beauford was held to just nine points on 4 of 11 shooting, while committing a game-high seven turnovers.

Janev led the way with 17 points and five boards, while Anderson netted 10 and had four assists.

The Seawolves return to action when they travel to take on No. 17 George Washington in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 16. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.