TROY, NY – Despite 27 points and 11 rebounds from senior Sam Simmons, Rensselaer was unable to complete a second half comeback and fell to area-rival Union, 68-64, at Robison Gym. With the win, the Dutchmen improve to 14-8 overall and 5-6 in the Liberty League. The Red Hawks move to 11-10 and 5-5 in conference play.
An evenly played first half saw the Red Hawks take a 34-32 lead into the break, thanks to nine points on 3 of 4 shooting from beyond the arc by Mike Brion. Union junior Joey Lokitis led all first-half scorers with 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting from the floor.
Dutchmen senior Drew Desmarais brought the game to a 38-38 tie, just under three minutes into the second half. From there, Union pushed its advantage to much as 10 on two occasions, including a 56-46 lead, on a pair of free throws from sophomore Matt Covucci with 12:02 to go in the game.
The Red Hawks slowly cut into the deficit, as Simmons scored six of his 19 second-half points over a span of 3:16 to pull within three (57-54) with 7:45 remaining. Union quickly pushed their edge back to eight (66-58), on baskets from Lokitis, Nick Ciresi and freshman Rusmir Dzanko. That run was answered by three straight RPI scores, which cut the Dutchmen lead to just two (66-64) with 1:17 to play. Two free throws from Union senior Steve Madej sealed victory with less 10 seconds left.
Also reaching double-figures in points for the Red Hawks were Brion and Blakemore, who had 10 apiece. Ricky Philatre recorded eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal.
Union had four players reach double-digits in scoring, including Lokitis, who had a team-high 19 points, with three rebounds and a team-best five assists. Madej finished with 12 points, while Desmarais and Ciresi each had 11.
The Dutchmen now are one half game ahead of 4-6 Hobart, for fourth place in the league with three games to play. The top four squads will compete in the Liberty League Championship Tournament at either St. Lawrence or Hamilton. Union is at Vassar Saturday at 4 p.m.
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