The men’s basketball team split its season-opener games on Nov. 17 and 18 at the New York University Tip-Off Tournament.
The Knights fell to the nationally ranked host in the tournament opener, 84-74.
“It was certainly a great test for us right off the bat,” head coach Steve Minton said. “I was not disappointed overall with our performance for the first game.”
In the loss, junior Jordan Jones contributed 17 points, followed by sophomore Gordon Lyons with 15.
Senior Ryan Riefenhauser and sophomore Andy Drescher also added double-digit points. Riefenhauser tallied eight rebounds and six steals – a career best – while Drescher hit all field goals, including three 3-pointers.
On Sunday the Knights shot 63.6 percent from the floor to beat Gwynedd-Mercy College, 99-77. Junior guard Connor Fedge scored 17 points, dished out three assists and grabbed three rebounds to earn all-tournament recognition.
Minton said he thinks more players played well enough to earn the same recognition.
“I’m glad we had so many different strong contributors over the weekend,” he said.
Senior Marcus Hoy came off the bench to score 16 points, including three 3-pointers in 16 minutes. Drescher ended up “perfect in New York City,” according to Minton, downing four 3-pointers and two free throws.
The Syracuse, N.Y. native “certainly did step up, no doubt about that,” Minton said. “That’s something he brings to the table: the ability to score.”
The Knights continue pre-SUNYAC play at D’Youville College on Saturday Nov. 24.