WEST HAVEN, Conn. — The Wagner College men's basketball team dropped an 80–74 decision at New Haven on Saturday afternoon inside The Hazell Center in NEC action.
New Haven (8–10, 3–2 NEC) opened the game by knocking down three consecutive three-pointers to jump out to a 9–0 lead. The Chargers' first seven field goals all came from beyond the arc as they built a 21–15 advantage midway through the opening half. Wagner (6–10, 1–4 NEC) responded with a strong stretch of bench production, trimming the deficit to five, 25–20, behind junior
Nick Jones, but New Haven carried a 44–33 lead into halftime after shooting 61.1 percent from three-point range in the first half.
Wagner came out aggressive to start the second half, cutting the margin to five following a three-pointer from redshirt senior
Jaden Baker. The Chargers maintained control until late, but with 1:25 remaining, Jones stripped the ball and finished a fast-break dunk to pull the Seahawks within four, 74–70. After a free throw and another three-pointer from Baker, Wagner closed within two with 38 seconds left.
New Haven answered with a turnaround jumper on the ensuing possession and forced a turnover on Wagner's next trip, then sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure the 80–74 victory.
Jones led the Seahawks with a team-high 20 points off the bench, marking his second consecutive 20-point performance. Baker followed with 18 points, knocking down five three-pointers on six attempts to tie a career high. Junior
Michael Cooper provided a spark off the bench with 10 points and six rebounds, while junior
John Awoke added nine points, hitting three triples. Wagner finished the afternoon shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 47.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Wagner outrebounded New Haven, 33–19, but the Chargers held the edge at the free-throw line, shooting 13-of-14 compared to the Seahawks' 5-of-7. New Haven also capitalized on turnovers, as Wagner committed 17 giveaways to the Chargers' nine, while New Haven connected on 15-of-28 attempts from three-point range.
Wagner will continue conference action on Monday, Jan. 19, as the Green & White travel to FDU for a 2:00 p.m. tip-off in Hackensack, N.J., with coverage on YES Network, ESPN+, and NESN.
