Box Score
Box Score

GENEVA, N.Y. - Junior Tim Rupp (Staten Island, NY) recorded a double-double with a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds to help the Rensselaer men's basketball team to a 71-68 victory over Hobart College, at Bristol Gym. With the win, the Red Hawk improve to 7-5 overall and 1-0 in the Liberty League. The Statesmen fall to 3-10 (0-2 LL).

Rupp connected on 9 of 19 shots from the floor including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Senior Sam Simmons (Newburgh, NY) added 14 points and four boards, while sophomore Mike Brion (Nashua, NH) finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

The Statesmen held a number of leads throughout the first half, with their largest coming with 9:51 to go in the first after a free throw by sophomore Mark Bruce (Fairport, NY).

The Red Hawks went into the break trailing 33-30, thanks in large part to Rupp who score nine of the teams final 13 points to close out the half.

Junior foward Ricky Philatre (Randoph, MA) gave the visitors their first lead of the second half, 40-39, on a bucket down-low, about five minutes into the second stanza. RPI quickly built on that lead as Rupp pushed the advantage to 46-39 on a three-pointer with just under 13 minutes to go.

Hobart fought back to tie the game at 51 and again at 53, before Rensselaer was able to pull away for good. Leading by two (64-62) with under left in regulation, senior Rory Perner (Elkins Park, PA) connected on four straight free throws to help seal the victory.

Bruce led the Statesmen with 17 points to go along with three assists and a game-high seven steals. Tim Llewellyn and Matt Pebole each finished with 14 points and six rebounds.

The Red Hawks return to action tomorrow afternoon when they visit Hamilton College (4pm).