Box Score
Box Score

NEWBURGH, N.Y. - The Rensselaer men's basketball team shot 58.8% in the second half to overcome a 15-point halftime deficit and the Red Hawks went on to defeat Mount Saint Mary, 77-70, in their 2008-09 season opener.  The homestanding Blue Knights, who held a 34-19 advantage at the break, fall to 1-2.

Following a first half in which it shot just 21.2% (7 for 33), RPI came out of the lockerroom and went on an 18-2 run to take a 37-36 lead with 15:02 remaining in the game.  Senior forward Sam Simmons (Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy), who was playing in his hometown, led the Red Hawks charge with four baskets and numerous rebounds.  Junior Tim Rupp (Staten Island, NY/Curtis) was also a catalyst in the run.

The score remained tight for the next 10 minutes before Rensselaer went on a 16-6 run for a 63-55 advantage with 5:30 left.  Mount Saint Mary fought back to tie the game at 69-69 with 1:22 left before RPI outscored them 8-1 to close the contest.

RPI moved ahead 71-69 on a layup by junior Jeremy Colon (Manchester, NH/West) with 1:09 left and then made four straight foul shots for a five point advantage (75-70) with seven seconds remaining.  A layup at the buzzer by Simmons proved to be the final margin.  Sophomore guard Ike Rodriquez (San Antonio, TX/McCollum) was instrumental down the stretch as he made two free throws, dished out two assists and made a steal in the final 1:09.

Simmons finished with game-highs of 22 points and nine rebounds, while Rupp scored 16 points.  Seven other players scored for the Red Hawks, who saw 13 student-athletes play in the game.

Mount Saint Mary had four players reach double figures in scoring, led by Tim Morris, who scored 19 points with six rebounds.

RPI returns to action on Saturday at the Milwaukee School of Engineering Tournament against the host school.  Tipoff is set for 7pm local time.  MIT and Rose-Hulman fill out the field.