Box Score

WALTHAM, Mass. - The University of New Haven men's basketball team fell 61-56 Wednesday night at Northeast-10 Conference opponent and nationally ranked No. 22 Bentley University. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 3-8 overall and 2-6 in the NE-10. The Falcons improved to 10-2 overall and stay perfect at 8-0 in conference play.

In the first half of action, Bentley raced out to a quick 6-0 advantage over the first few minutes. However, the lead was short-lived as the Chargers erased the deficit with an 11-5 run to tie the score up at 11 apiece. The teams exchanged baskets through the midway mark, when Justin Exum and Mike Stys granted the Chargers their first lead of the game. Exum completed a three-point play and drained a shot from long-distance, while Stys capped off the surge with another one from behind the arc for a 24-20 lead.

Bentley battled back in the closing minutes and was able to snatch a 32-26 lead at the break. The Falcons’ senior Brian Tracey led all scorers at halftime with 14 points, but was followed closely by Exum who poured in 10 of his own.

After the intermission, UNH came out on fire and put together a 9-5 run. Exum, Stys and Robert Jamerson each collected points during the span, leaving the Chargers behind by just two points, 37-35, with 13 minutes remaining.

The game would take a sudden turn in favor of the hosting Falcons. Bentley battled back with a 13-4 run over the next three minutes to open a 52-39 advantage. During the span, the Chargers missed four shots, had two turnovers and four fouls that led to points at the free-throw line for the Falcons.

Paced by a pair of three-pointers from Exum, UNH battled back down the stretch, scoring 15 of the games final 24 points to bring the score within five points.

Exum led the Chargers with 23 points on 9-of-20 shooting. He made four three-pointers and also grabbed six rebounds. His 20-plus point performance is the second of his rookie season. Jamerson added 14 points and nine rebounds in the loss.

As a team, New Haven shot 43-percent from the floor and 32-percent from downtown. Bentley held a 36-29 advantage on the boards, while the teams played close with 10 and 11 turnovers, respectively.

The Chargers return to action on Saturday, January 8 when they play host to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The game will tip off at 1:30 p.m. at Charger Gymnasium.