February 10, 2006

John Grazioli

Mike Mastro

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.--The Hobart basketball team scored the first 12 points of the game and maintained a double digit lead for the rest of the contest, posting an 84-65 Liberty League win at Vassar College this afternoon. Sophomore forward John Grazioli (St. Anthony's/Melville, N.Y.) led all scorers with 18 points in the winning effort.

Vassar missed its first five shots and committed three turnovers in the first four minutes. Meanwhile. Grazioli scored six of Hobart's first 12 points in the opening run and finished 9-of-13 from the floor. The performance raised his Liberty League field goal shooting percentage to .662.

The Statesmen led by as many as 17 in the first half.

Leading 40-27 at the intermission, Hobart began the second half by outscoring the Brewers 14-2 in the first six minutes to build its lead to 54-29 with 14:20 remaining.

Junior forward Mike Mastro (Jericho/Westbury, N.Y.) added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Statesmen who swept the season series from Vassar. Senior forward Tim Apuzzo (Greely/Cumberland, Maine) came off the bench to score 12 points in just 12 minutes for Hobart. Senior guard Colby Feane (Weedsport/Weedsport, N.Y.) contributed eight assists, seven points, and seven rebounds.

Vassar (11-10, 3-8) was led by sophomore guard Tyson Brazell (Waterford School/Salt Lake City, Utah), who had 17 points. Sophomore forward Lawrence Avitabile (Southington/Southington, Conn.) was also in double figures and finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Hobart is back in action on Feb. 17, when the Statesmen travel to Clarkson. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.