The men’s basketball team is off to a hot start, kicking off its season with three wins.
The Blue Knights hosted their season opener against Medaille College on Nov. 17, and then participated in the Hartwick College tournament the same weekend, defeating the host as well as Mount Saint Mary College.
Wednesday’s home opener was defined by a stellar comeback effort from Geneseo in the second half. Trailing Medaille by seven points at halftime, the Blue Knights went on a 17-0 run led by sophomore Ryan Riefenhauser’s eight points. Riefenhauser finished with 14 points, and junior Mike Hoy matched that number, also adding three assists and three steals. Junior John Drazan followed with eight points, and senior Nate Cornish contributed a perfect six out of six from the foul line for Geneseo to clinch the win, 69-63.
The Blue Knights played an exciting game on Friday against Mount Saint Mary to open the Hartwick Tournament, coming back from behind in what head coach Steve Minton called “one of the greatest college basketball games I’ve been involved in.”
Down by eight with 2 minutes, 49 seconds remaining, Geneseo went on an 11-0 run to claim the victory. Drazan lead the team with 18 points and seven rebounds, and freshmen Connor Fedge and Jordan Jones tallied 12 points apiece. Hoy contributed 10 points to help seal the game at 81-77.
Geneseo was dominant throughout Saturday’s championship game against Hartwick. Riefenhauser scored 16 points and added 11 rebounds, and Jones tallied 13 points. Hoy was named the tournament’s MVP, finishing the game with 18 points, and Drazan contributed 11 points to the match. The Blue Knights coasted to an 83-69 final score.
As the season remains fresh for the team, Minton anticipates steady improvement in his players. He said he is greatly pleased with the team’s depth, noting, “On any given night, we could have a different guy step up.”
Riefenhauser added, “We need to get better each game so we can finish on top of [the] SUNYAC [standings]. We’re pleased, but not satisfied.”
The Blue Knights host the Wendy’s Classic Tournament this weekend. Opponents and times have yet to be announced.