The opening half seemed to emphasize weaknesses that have plagued the Red Hawks this season. While the team played solid defense, they were unable to score at the other end. This half proved to be yet another illustration of Rensselaer’s shooting woes, as the team only managed to connect on 34.6 percent from the field. Additionally, the Statesmen’s David Herron was on fire in the post, eventually finishing with 24 points.

The second half was a different story, like it so often is for the Red Hawks. Rensselaer went on a 13-1 run to take a 36-34 lead with 17:49 left to play. RPI lost some momentum several minutes later when Forward Darryl Gentry had to leave the game after taking a hit to the mouth that loosened a tooth. Gentry had just hit several 3-pointers during the Red Hawks’ rally.

After Gentry left the court, the two teams went back and forth, and Rensselaer got strong play from its bench, especially in the post where freshman forwards Greg Harrison and Jared Height provided several minutes of quality play. The seesaw battle led to the Red Hawks taking a 53-51 lead on a jumper by Khalil Fitzgerald. This proved to be the last lead for RPI, as Hobart connected on its free throws down the stretch. This was particularly the case for Center Joe Corbett, who connected on four in a row. Hobart connected on 35 of 52 from the line, and won by a final margin of 68-59.

Next up for the Red Hawks were the Continentals of Hamilton. The Red Hawks took a first-half lead, but couldn’t muster enough in the second half as they fell, 79-61.

The first half started slowly as the Continentals couldn’t seem to get their shooting going. Then, they forced several Red Hawks turnovers and went on an 11-2 run. The Continentals’ Kris Fudge, who has tormented the Red Hawks in the past, scored 6 points during the stretch.

Finally, the Red Hawks started handling the press and started a 30-18 run of their own that gave them a 40-38 lead at the half.

Guard Kevin Moore used his speed to lead several rushes down the court, and capped the run with back-to-back 3-pointers.

In the second half, the Continentals took off the press, which was more effective in spurring the Red Hawks’ run than in forcing turnovers.

Additionally, the Contintentals seemed to find their touch from 3-point range and sent a couple in to open the half. The game, now being played at a slower pace, saw the two teams trade baskets until Hamilton opened up a 10 point lead on a 3-pointer by Jimmy Driggs.

The Red Hawks played hard, but couldn’t recover the momentum they had at the end of the first half. The Continentals, meanwhile, continued to hit from long range in building a 17-point advantage.

On the day, Moore finished with 11 points, while Forward Doug Ullrich netted 12. Freshman Forward Height continued his recent strong play with 10 points. Tri-captain Bobby Hurley added 8.