Box Score TROY, N.Y.—The Hobart College basketball team lost to Rensselaer 65-50 in Robison Gym tonight. First-year guard Rob Estep (West York/York, Pa.) and Tim Llewellyn (West York/York, Pa.) led the Statesmen with 11 points each.

The Statesmen (5-8, 0-2 Liberty League) shot just 29 percent from the floor, while the Red Hawks (6-6, 1-0) connected on 50 percent. RPI had a 42-34 advantage on the glass, but Hobart first-year Adam Salzmann (Kingston/Connelly, N.Y.) collected a game-high 10 rebounds to go with seven points.

Rensselaer’s Jeremy Bull led all scorers with 16 points, including 8-of-9 from the free throw line, while Sam Simmons joined him in double digits with 12 points.

Llewellyn hit a three-pointer midway through the first half to trim RPI’s lead to 20-18, but the Red Hawks responded with eight unanswered points and maintained at least a four-point cushion into halftime. RPI led 36-29 at the break.

Hobart used the first five minutes of the second half to make up some ground. First-year guard Mark Bruce (Fairport/Fairport, N.Y.) sank a three, capping a 6-2 push and trimming the Statesmen’s deficit to 38-35. Bruce finished with 10 points.

Rensselaer responded with a 12-3 run to size control of the contest.

The visitors closed to within seven with two minutes remaining, but the Red Hawks made 8-of-10 from the free throw line down the stretch to stave off the comeback bid.

Hobart is back in action on Jan. 19, when the Statesmen travel to Vassar. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.