Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's basketball team suffered a tough 68-66 defeat to the Hamilton College Continentals in a tightly contested matchup. The game featured 14 lead changes, with neither team leading by more than nine points at any point. LaMarqus Merchant Jr. led the Wildcats with 17 points and four assists, while Teja Singh paced the Continentals with 20 points. With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 1-2 on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The game began with an even exchange of baskets before Hamilton ignited a 14-2 run, taking a 19-10 lead midway through the first half. SUNY Poly would responded with a surge of their own, led by key contributions from Cheickne Toure, Anthony Rose, and LaMarqus Merchant. With under four minutes remaining in the half, the Wildcats managed to take a lead, but Hamilton would answer quickly, with Hank Morgan's three-point play giving them a 37-35 advantage at halftime.

The second half mirrored the opening period, as both teams traded baskets early on. A strong stretch from the Continentals saw them build an eight-point lead. The Wildcats refused to back down, with a couple of clutch free throws and back-to-back baskets from Jarrett Wilbur, helping them reclaim the lead with less than ten minutes left in the game.

In the final minutes, both teams locked in defensively, as only 13 points would be scored over the last nine minutes of play. The Continentals capitalized on a crucial steal and layup from Hank Morgan in the closing seconds, securing the 68-66 victory.

That was a great college basketball game tonight between two good teams, said head coach Rob Schoener. "Proud of how hard our guys played and defended.  We're gonna get back to work and continue to improve."