Wildcat Comeback Falls Short; Lose to Union 81-74

Wildcat Comeback Falls Short; Lose to Union 81-74

UTICA, NY - The SUNYIT men's basketball team lost to the Union Dutchmen at this evening's home opener, 81-74. SUNYIT was up 21-12 at one point in the first half, and played neck-and-neck with the Dutchmen until a 19-0 run in the second half, which saw the Wildcats go from up one to down 18 over a six-minute stretch. With the loss, the Wildcats are now 0-4 overall while Union improves to 2-1 on the season.

Freshmen forward T'Andre Richardson (Utica, NY/Utica-Proctor) contributed significantly to the offense leading in points with 32 and six rebounds.  Lone senior Alex Grimmer (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) registered 14 points on the evening as well as five rebounds.  Junior guards Yhashin White (Brooklyn, NY/Canarsie) and Justin Brignola (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) put eight and ten points on the board respectively, with White also contributing with five assists.  Junior forward Derek Rowe (Mexico, NY/Mexico Academy) finished the night with six rebounds for the Wildcats.

Leading in points for the Dutchmen with 25 and 13 rebounds was junior forward Kevin Donahue (Hudson Falls, NY/Hudson Falls).  He was aided by senior forward Rusmir Dzanko (Essex Junction, VT/Essex) who knocked in 17 points and helped with five assists.  Junior guard Evan Croll (Vernon, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) registered 11 points and sophomore guard Keith Collins (San Antonio, TX/Kimball Union Academy) had eight.  Donahue also had three assists while junior guard Matt Petrone (Utica, NY/Utica Notre Dame) contributed to the win with four.

SUNYIT returns to action this Saturday December 3rd when they take on cross-town rival Hamilton College.  The matchup is scheduled to start at 3:00 pm in the Campus Center Gymnasium.