Posted by Skidmore Athletics
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Skidmore College men's basketball team vehemently battled the Liberty League No. 1 ranked Statesmen but were unsuccessful in Saturday's 68-59 loss to Hobart.
The two teams exchanged baskets early in the first half, but after a three from Connor Merrill '15 cut the Hobart lead to a game low of four, the Statesmen went on a 23-5 run capped by a layup from Hobart's Richie Bonney. A lethargic defense and careless turnovers on the part of the Thoroughbreds gave the Statesmen second chances to run up the score. Hobart shot 60 percent (21-35) from the floor in the first half and held a 48-28 lead at the break.
In the second half, Skidmore chipped away at the lead and was able to cut the score down to single digits on a Gerard O'Shea '12 three pointer with 55 seconds left. In conjunction with a hardened offense, Skidmore rallied their defense, engaging in auspicious full court presses and double guarding the Statesmen, which forced Hobart turnovers. Two successive blocks from Merrill boosted Thoroughbred confidence, but the late game boost proved minutes too late. Hobart hit its free throws on an intentional foul with seconds left and held on for the 68-59 win.
Team Captain Terron Victoria'12 led Skidmore with 16 points, six rebounds and four steals and O'Shea finished with 10 points and five assists. John Mantas '12 and Kyle Clark '12 added nine points apiece. Merrill added five points, five rebounds and five blocks off the bench.
The Thoroughbreds fall to 11-5 overall and 5-3 in the Liberty League, while the Statesmen improve to 14-3 overall and 7-1 in the league.
Skidmore returns to action for an 8 p.m. tip on Friday at Vassar.