Hamilton trailed 50-46 with 5:18 remaining in the second half before scoring 14 straight points to take a 60-50 lead with 1:02 left. In addition to his seven points, Simpson also had two rebounds, an assist, and a steal in the span. The Continentals then made all four of their free throws, including two by Simpson, to seal the victory.
Simpson was 4-for-8 from the floor, including 2-for-6 from three-point range, and 4-for-4 from the foul line. He also had two rebounds (1 offensive), an assist, and two steals in 29 minutes. Sophomore forward Harlee Wood (Clinton, MD/Bishop McNamara) added 12 points, four rebounds (3 off.), two assists, and three steals, while senior forward Tsakani Ngobeni (Soweto, South Africa/St. Anne’s-Belfield School) had a game-high ten rebounds (2 off.), five points, an assist, two steals, and a block.
RPI senior guard Neal Wesson (Portsmouth, RI/Portsmouth) led all scorers with 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including five three-pointers. He also had a team-high seven rebounds (2 off.), and two steals. Junior Sam Simmons (Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy) chipped in with 12 points, seven rebounds (3 off.), and three assists.
Rensselaer returns to the court on Saturday against Liberty League foe Hobart (4pm). Live statistics of the game will be available at http://rpiathletics.com/live/mbball/ . The Continentals are also back in action on Saturday for a league game. They play at Vassar at 4pm.