Box Score
WEST HAVEN, Conn. - Despite a strong second half effort at Charger Gymnasium, the University of New Haven men's basketball team dropped a Northeast-10 Conference game 69-81 to the College of Saint Rose Wednesday night. Freshman forward Krystian Foriest propelled the Chargers with 20 points in the second half. With the loss, New Haven fell to 1-5 overall and 0-4 in the NE-10, while the Golden Knights improved to 6-1, 3-1 NE-10 with the victory.
The Golden Knights charged out of the gate in this one, opening a 10-4 lead 5:25 into the first half. Freshman Justin Exum connected on a shot from behind the arc to cut into the New Haven deficit, but the Golden Knights offense continued to play well. Over the next seven minutes, Saint Rose extended its lead to 11 points, followed by another surge that put the visitors in front 34-16.
The Chargers battled back with an 8-4 run to close out the half, leaving a 38-24 Saint Rose lead at the intermission. New Haven connected on 51 percent of its field goals in the first 20 minutes, but turned the ball over 14 times. Exum led the way at the break for the blue and gold, registering seven points on 3-of-4 shooting, while Sean Harris added six more for the home team.
After their visits to the locker rooms, the two teams came out and put on an offensive clinic. The squads combined for 22 points in the first five minutes, as the visiting Golden Knights maintained its double-digit margin.
With a pair of free throws at the 14:22 mark, Saint Rose improved its lead to 20 points, 54-34. The Chargers then started to chip away at the lead and off a Foriest three-pointer with 10:30 left, the Chargers trailed by 11. Despite the rally, UNH trailed by double figures until Jeremy Williams connected from long range with 1:44 left in the half. The Chargers' attempts inside of one minute fell short and the Golden Knights held on for a 12-point victory.
With 22 total points, Foriest led the Chargers on their second-half rally. He went 9-for-11 from the floor and garnered two rebounds as well. Harris chipped in with 15 points, while Rob Jamerson led the team with seven boards.
As a team, New Haven shot 56.3-percent from the floor and 40-percent from long range. First half turnovers haunted the Chargers as they recorded 14. With five in the second half, the Chargers totaled 19 on the night. The Golden Knights capitalized on UNH turnovers as well, recorded 21 points off turnovers, include 14 in the first half. With a 32-26 advantage in rebounds, Saint Rose also led 11-2 in second-chance points.
The Chargers return to action on Saturday, December 4 when they play host to Pace University. The game will tip off at 1:30 p.m. at Charger Gymnasium. Live statistics, live audio and live video will be available at www.NewHavenChargers.com.
