In its return home, the Stony Brook men’s basketball team’s losing streak stretched to four.
The Seawolves (2-6) welcomed the Norfolk State Spartans (6-3) to Stony Brook Arena on Sunday. Despite keeping the game close, Stony Brook fell by a final score of 77-66.
With the Seawolves trailing 21-16 late in the first half, guard Joe Octave connected on a three-pointer to get the team within two. On Norfolk State’s ensuing possession, forward Kuluel Mading grabbed his own rebound off a miss from beyond the arch and dropped it in for a pair. In response, Octave drew a foul in the paint during a made jumpshot and completed the three-point play thereafter.
However, the Spartans would take over from there. First, guard Christian Ings found forward Tyrel Bladen underneath who dunked it home. Following a missed three from Octave, Norfolk State marched right back up the court and added two more as Ings bottomed a pair of free throws. Norfolk State guard Jaylani Darden capped off a run of seven unanswered points by draining a shot from beyond the arch to make it 30-22 in favor of his team.
Down 35-27 entering the second half, Stony Brook’s offense was immediately stifled. The Spartans defense set the tone early in the frame, allowing their offense to salt the game away. Norfolk State opened the latter period on a 10-0 run, which the Seawolves never recovered from.
“We are disappointed with the home loss,” head coach Geno Ford said in a postgame interview with Stony Brook Athletics. “But I thought we took some steps forward from how we’ve played over the last few weeks. We had two bad segments where they got separation. We need a good week of practice and we need to continue improving.”
Stony Brook posted a .357/.273/.850 shooting line, which was surpassed by the Spartans’ .519/.278/.800 slashline.
Octave was the Seawolves’ highest scorer with 17 points on five-of-15 shooting from the field. He made all six of his free throw attempts. Forward Andre Snoddy delivered a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Guard Brian Moore Jr. led Norfolk State’s offense with 18 points on six-of-seven shooting from the field.
Stony Brook will hit the road next to take part in the Texas Legends Showcase, where it will play the Air Force Falcons on Saturday. Just as the Seawolves, the Falcons are 2-6 this season. Air Force will take on the Miami RedHawks on Monday before facing Stony Brook. Opening tip-off for Saturday’s contest is set for 4 p.m.
