ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's basketball team battled with the RIT Tigers on Saturday afternoon, and fell just shy of victory as they were defeated by a final score of 59-57 on the road.
 
It was a back-and-forth matchup through the first half, with neither side gaining a lead larger than five points. However, it was the Tigers gaining the advantage through the first 20 minutes despite a last-season layup from Dylan Matchett to cut the RIT lead to two points heading into halftime, 22-20.
 
Avery Eugster nailed a three-pointer to open the scoring once in the second half, giving RPI a one-point lead. However, the momentum didn't catch as the Tigers locked down on defense and pulled out to a 10 point lead – 37-27 – with 11:34 remaining in the second half.
 
RPI then took control on offense and turned in a 13-0 run that was punctuated by a three-pointer from Jonny Angbazo that gave RPI a six point lead, 43-37, with 6:44 to play. However, the Tigers turned back around with their own 7-0 run and reclaimed a one-point lead, 44-43, with 4:28 remaining after a three-pointer from Matt Caggiano.
 
After the game clock wound down, both sides pulled even and saw a trade of baskets as the score stood 48-47. With 1:19 to play, an RPI turnover went the other way for an RIT possession that ended up with Kenny Wilburn at the free throw line. He split his two free throws, tying up the game at 48-all. Both sides missed opportunities to take the lead in the final 30 seconds, sending the game to overtime.
 
The Engineers began overtime strong, pulling out to a 54-51 lead with 2:16 remaining after a pair of free throws from Andrew Deppe. From that point, RPI fell cold from the floor giving the Tigers a chance to pull off an 8-0 run over the final minutes to claim the win despite a three-pointer at the buzzer for RPI to make it a two-point defeat.
 
Eugster finished with a team-high 18 points with four three-pointers, while Angbazo collected a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Deppe finished with a solid line of nine points and eight rebounds as well.
 
For RIT, Brock Bowen put up 20 points with eight rebounds, while Matt Caggiano also finished in double-digits with 13 points.
 
The Engineers return to action on Friday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. when they play host to Vassar at ECAV Arena.