February 16, 2007

John Grazioli

Kevin Riley

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart College basketball team won its third consecutive game, 69-62, over visiting Rensselaer, putting a serious dent in the Red Hawks postseason hopes. Ending a nine-game losing streak against RPI, Hobart was led by the 18-point, seven-rebound effort of junior forward John Grazioli (St. Anthony’s/Melville, N.Y.).

Senior forward Kevin Riley (Xavier/Brooklyn, N.Y.) added 13 points for the Statesmen (10-14, 6-7), while senior guards Aasim Cunningham (Montclair Kimberley Academy/Montclair, N.J.) and Duncan Paddick (Chenango Valley/Binghamton, N.Y.) chipped in nine points each.

Junior forward Sam Simmons (Newburgh Free Academy/Newburgh, N.Y.) paced the Red Hawks (13-11, 6-7) with 15 points and seven boards, while sophomore forward Dan Rourke (Scotia-Glenville/Scotia, N.Y.) and senior guard Michael Visker (Essex Junction/Essex, Vt.) contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.

RPI hit four of its first five shots, all from behind the three-point arc, and charged out to a 12-4 lead. The Red Hawks led by as many as 10 before Hobart fought back.

A 19-4 run, put the Statesmen in front by five. The advantage was fleeting however, as RPI used a 13-3 swing to carry a 35-30 lead into halftime. The Red Hawks shot 52 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes, including 7 of 11 from long range.

Trailing by nine with 15:16 remaining in the game, Hobart made another big push, outscoring RPI 16-2 over the next six minutes to take the lead for good. The Red Hawks got within three on three occasions down the stretch—the last time with 1:26 to go—but could not get back in control.

The Statesmen shot 55.6 percent from the floor after the break, while turning up the defensive intensity and limiting their guests to just 35.5 percent.

Both teams close out the regular season on Feb. 17, when the Statesmen host Vassar and the Red Hawks visit Hamilton. Tipoff of both contests is scheduled for 4 p.m.