Feb. 5, 2004

Box Score

Old Westbury, N.Y. -

The Adelphi University men's basketball dropped a tough 68-61 decision at NYIT on Thursday evening in Recreation Center. This is the second loss for the Panthers in five days, both at the hands of the Bears. AU drops to 11-8 overall and 9-7 in the NYCAC. NYIT improves to 13-7 and 11-6 in the conference.

Sophomore Jamaal Wagner collected a team-high 19 points, including 7-for-8 from the free point line, along with seven rebounds. Freshman Kimani Blaize with 11 points was the only other Panther in double figures.

Adelphi jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead before NYIT responded with an 8-0 run. The Panthers kept it close over the next five minutes, managing to stay within three points. Trailing 18-15 at 8:07, the Panther offense stalled, scoring just six points over the final minutes. NYIT held a 30-21 advantage at the half.

Wagner contributed 14 points in the second half as the Panthers closed to within five, 37-32, at the 13:58 mark. The Bears again pulled away, rattling off the next five unanswered points. Blaize accounted for six of the next 10 Adelphi points to pull the Panthers to within three, 45-42. Both teams traded baskets, with NYIT never relinquishing its lead as another Blaize three-pointer again closed the gap, 53-50, at 5:13. The Bears pulled away again, but the Panthers were unable to regain their momentum.

Adelphi was 40.7 percent (22-of-54) on the night, holding a 34-30 advantage on boards. However, the Panthers were plagued by turnovers, committing 19. NYIT shot a slightly better 42.9 percent, but picked up 19 points at the free throw line, compared with just 11 for Adelphi.

The Bears were led by junior Patrick Tunstead with a game-high 20 points. Senior Manix Auriantal registered 15 of his 17 points in the second half, along with six rebounds.

The Panthers return to action this Saturday, Feburary 7, at C.W. Post. Game time is 4:00 p.m.