Philadelphia, PA – The Wagner men's basketball cut a double-digit deficit down to six points with under four minutes to play, but it wasn't enough, as the Seahawks fell 77-69 at Atlantic 10 member La Salle on Saturday.
 
Both teams now sit at 1-1 on the season, as the Seahawks will welcome Division III member Neumann on Monday for Wagner's home opener at the Spiro Sports Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
 
The Seahawks were led by sophomore Zaire Williams, who contributed a career-high 20 points, while freshman Keyontae Lewis added an impressive 19 points and nine rebounds in his second collegiate game. Junior DeLonnie Hunt was the third Seahawk in double figures with 10 points.
 
Wagner trailed by 16 points during the first half before an 8-0 run, capped by a Williams three, cut the deficit to 30-22 with 2:20 to play in the first half.
 
The Seahawks started the second half on an early 9-0 run, as a layup by junior Rahmir Moore made it 40-35 with 16:13 to play.
 
Both teams went back and forth for a majority of the second half, as a Lewis layup with 3:51 made it a four-point game at 63-59 with under four minutes to play.
 
That was as close as the Seahawks would get, however, as La Salle pulled away late for the victory.
 
In a physical game, both teams combined for 62 points in the paint and 63 free throw attempts, with Wagner holding a 42-35 edge on the glass.