BROOKLYN, NY – The Pratt Institute men's basketball team dropped an 83-74 decision to conference foe SUNY-ESF, at the Pratt ARC Friday evening.
Pratt (5-9, 2-4) was unable to hold on to a 36-33 halftime lead as SUNY-ESF (10-8, 4-1) outscored the Cannoneers 50-38 after the break. Despite connecting on 10 3-pointers and shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line, Pratt had no answer for The Mighty Oaks who hit 57.4 percent of its shot, including 20-28 (71.4 percent) in the second half.
Reigning HVIAC Co-Player of the Week Ari Grant led three Pratt scorers in double figures with 29 points and 17 rebounds. Andrew Yaglenski went 5-11 from beyond the arc and added 21 points, while Bubby Vernon chipped in 10. Vishal Vanka's nine points were only overshadowed by his precise passing as he tallied 12 assists.
SUNY-ESF found its stroke early as it led 7-2 after three minutes. A Vernon three and Vanka layup closed the gap to one, 10-9. Trailing 14-13, the Cannoneers orchestrated a 15-4 over six minutes that saw their lead increase to 10, 28-18, highlighted by a pair of Yaglenski threes. With Pratt leading 34-22, The Mighty Oaks scored the next 11 points, cutting the lead to one. A pair of Grant free throws concluded the first half with Pratt ahead 36-33.
SUNY-ESF opened the second half on a 17-4 run as Pratt shot just 1-of-12 through the first seven-plus minutes. Trailing 46-54, Adam Blufarb's three ignited Pratt's long-distance shooting as five treys over the next four minutes saw the Cannoneers regain the lead 63-61.
The Mighty Oaks continued to force the issue and pulled within one on a Dan Treadwell three, 65-64. Corey Rogers gave the visitors the lead for good with a driving layup off the assist of Ryan Caldwell (26 points, 12 rebounds).
Six straight points from Grant pulled Pratt within four with 1:20 to play. SUNY-ESF sealed the victory at the line, however, to escape with an 83-74 victory.
Pratt returns to action next Thursday as they travel to Vaughn College for an HVIAC showdown.
