Shooting percentage could be the statistic to watch this season for the Rensselaer men’s basketball team. The Red Hawks, who lost 80-67 to Capital University in the first round of the Buffalo State Coles Classic and 69-58 to Clark College in the consolation game, shot 43 and 28 percent, respectively, in the team’s first two contests of the season.
Rensselaer’s failure to generate a consistent offense is mostly to blame for the team’s early losses. Matt Zepernick, who produced 14 points in the loss against a solid Capital team, struggled against Clark, only tallying two points. Starting point guard Neil Wesson fired two blanks this weekend, failing to score a single point in either game.
RPI Head Coach Mike Griffin highlighted the offense as his chief concern heading into the season. With uncertainty abound, Griffin said his top six players must be consistent scorers if the team is to be successful.
However, the remaining three starters were productive for the Red Hawks. Tom Schneider averaged a double-double on the weekend with 17 points and 11 caroms against Capital and 16 points and nine boards versus Clark en route to a All-Tournament selection. Senior captains John Van Schaick and Paris Moore left their mark on the game. Moore tallied 17 points against Capital and Van Schaick led all scorers with 17 in the Clark game.
Despite a lackluster offensive performance there were several positives that emerged from the weekend, mainly the Red Hawk defense. RPI, who is currently implementing numerous new pressure defensive sets, looked solid as they combined to force 34 turnovers, while committing just 19 themselves in two games.
The defense was particularly remarkable in the Clark game, where the team collectively grabbed 10 steals, and had a 2:1 assist turnover ratio. However, despite all the positives on defense, the Red Hawks poor shooting proved to be too much to overcome, as Clark rallied from a four-point halftime deficit to win convincingly. Tim Dutille and Adam Miller scored 24 and 17 points to lead Clark.
Capital was a very difficult team to open the season against, and it showed. Capital, just a week earlier, pushed the Division I and NCAA Tournament regulars Dayton Flyers to the breaking point in Ohio. Capital led early on and trailed by just four at the halftime before the Flyers ran away in second session. RPI failed to challenge the Crusaders as Capital jumped out to a 43-21 lead at halftime. Rensselaer made up some ground in the second, but never really threatened the leaders. Jake Beck scored 20 points on seven of 13 shooting to lead all scorers for Capital. David Johnson and David Kalb added 16 and 13 respectively for Capital.
Late Tuesday RPI garnered their first win of the young season, soundly defeating Southern Vermont 74-66. The Red Hawks took control early and never look backed taking a 13-point lead into halftime
Schneider was solid again for RPI, scoring a team high 17 points. Moore and Zepernick added 13 and 12 for the RPI.
The Red Hawks, currently 1-2, will conclude their play this week with a trip to Middlebury where they will take on the Panthers of Middlebury College at 2 pm.
