The homestanding Red Hawks, who led by seven at halftime (26-19), built an 11-point lead (53-42) with 4:26 remaining in the second half before holding off the Statesmen, who pulled to within three points (57-54) less than two minutes later (2:31 remaining). RPI made 7-of-8 free throws down the stretch, including 4-for-4 from Sam Simmons (Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy), for the victory.
In addition to his 20 points, Wesson grabbed four rebounds (2 offensive) with three assists. Simmons, a junior forward, finished with 12 points with a game-high nine rebounds (3 off.), four assists, and two blocked shots. Senior Clay Hadley (LaGrange, IL/Lyons Township) added ten points, four rebounds (1 off.), two assists and a steal for the Red Hawks, who held Hobart to 28.6% shooting (8-for-28) from the floor in the first half.
The Statesmen were led offensively by junior forward John Grazioli (Melville, NY/St. Anthony’s), who had 13 points and eight rebounds (2 off.) – both team-highs – with a blocked shot. Freshman Sean McHugh (Minoela, NY/Holy Trinity), who had 12 points, and senior Mike Manning (Mastic, NY/Center Moriches), who scored ten, also reached double-digits.
Rensselaer is back in action on Friday night when it hosts St. Lawrence University in a Liberty League matchup at Robison Gym (8pm). Hobart hosts Union College in a Liberty League game next Friday night at 8pm.