New Haven, Conn. - The Adelphi University men's basketball team was able to cut a 21-point halftime deficit to single digits in the second half, however, Southern Connecticut State held on the for the 92-81 Northeast-10 Conference victory earlier today in New Haven.

Anthony Libroia and Michael Coffey each scored 24 points to lead the Panthers (17-7/9-7 NE-10) this afternoon. Coffey shot 6-for-12 from beyond the arc while Libroia converted 7-of-8 free throws. Manny Suarez registered a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds in the effort.

Desmond Williams led all participants in both points, 28, and rebounds, 15, to put together a double-double for the host Owls (18-5/13-2 NE-10). Williams also posted three blocks. Additionally, Michael Mallory matched Libroia and Coffey with 24 points while adding nine rebounds and eight assists to fall shy of a triple-double.

The Brown and Gold were unable to find the shooting touch in the first half, posting a 24.2 shooting percentage (8-for-33) from the floor. Southern Connecticut continued to gradually build an advantage in the half and scored 18 points off turnovers. An 11-3 run in the final seven minutes gave the Owls a 43-22 lead at the half.

Williams already registered his double-double in the first 20 minutes by totaling 17 points and 12 rebounds. Libroia notched 10 points for Adelphi.

A 3-pointer from Conor McGuiness less than six minutes into the second half cut the Southern Connecticut lead to 11 points as the Panthers jumped out on a 16-6 run. Four minutes later, Libroia brought his team to within single digits after a layup.

The deficit was brought down to as low as seven points on a Suarez 3-pointer, however, with only 24 seconds left on the clock. Southern Connecticut scored the final four points of the contest to set the final score at 92-81.

Adelphi welcomes Saint Rose this Wednesday for a Southwest Division matchup at 7:30 pm. The department also welcomes campus employees for "Employee Appreciation Day" in addition to honoring student-athletes during "3.0 Night" at halftime.

Notes:
- Anthony Libroia moves to 19^th on the all-time Adelphi scoring list with 1,227 points.
- Adelphi (9-7) leads Saint Rose (8-8) by one game in the latest NE-10 Standings.
- Southern Connecticut was receiving votes in the latest NABC Coaches' Poll.

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About Adelphi University Athletics
Adelphi University joined the Northeast-10 Conference in the fall of 2009 and in the past six seasons has collected 16 regular season conference titles, 21 tournament championships, 27 individual crowns and captured the Northeast-10 President's Cup twice (2013 and 2014), while winning five NCAA Division II National Championships.

For the latest on Adelphi University Athletics, follow the Panthers at www.aupanthers.comor via social media onFacebook,Instagram,Twitter,YouTube, and Snapchat.
Notes:
- Anthony Libroia moves to 19^th on the all-time Adelphi scoring list with 1,227 points.
- Adelphi (9-7) leads Saint Rose (8-8) by one game in the latest NE-10 Standings.
- Southern Connecticut was receiving votes in the latest NABC Coaches' Poll