TROY, N.Y.—Sophomore guard
Alex Moesch scored a game-high 18 points for the Hobart basketball team, but the Statesmen lost their Liberty League opener 72-55 at RPI tonight. The Statesmen trailed by just four at halftime, but the Engineers used a 15-4 run to start the second half to break the game open.
Moesch was 7-of-15 shooting with four 3-pointers. First-year
Monty Nedd added nine points, including a 6-of-9 effort at the free throw line. Senior
Carter Meshanic chipped in eight points, five rebounds and a game-high three steals. Senior
Hunter Meshanic grabbed a game-high six rebounds. Junior
Niko Lutz blocked three shots.
RPI's balanced scoring effort saw four players reach double digits, paced by Avery Eugster's team-high 16 points. Chuck Clemons contributed 13 points and three steals. PJ Scalisi tossed in 11 points and a team-high five boards. Andrew Deppe finished with 10 points.
FOR THE RECORD
- Hobart slips to 1-2 on the year, 0-1 in the Liberty League.
- RPI remains unbeaten at 4-0, 1-0 in the league.
TURNING POINT
- With 2:18 remaining in the first half, Moesch sank a 3-pointer to give Hobart a 23-22 lead.
- The Engineers scored the final five points of the half, all at the line to take a 27-23 lead in the break.
- RPI carried that momentum into the second half with Eugster contributing five points to the home team's 15-4 run that pushed the RPI lead to 45-27.
- Moesch scored eight of the game's next 10 points to pull the Statesmen within nine, 44-35, but an 11-2 Engineers run restored their double digit lead for the rest of the night.
KEY STAT
- The difference maker in the contest was free throw shooting.
- RPI was 23-of-28 from the line for 82%.
- Meanwhile Hobart struggled, going 8-of-25 (32%).
BACK TO BRISTOL
- The Statesmen will return to Bristol Gym to host the inaugural Hobart Tournament, Nov. 22-23.
- The Statesmen will tip off the tournament at 5:30 p.m. Friday against local rival Keuka. The second semifinal gets underway at 7:45 p.m. between Penn State Behrend and Buffalo State.
- Saturday's consolation game begins at 3 p.m. with the championship to follow at 5:15 p.m.
