Michael Tyree wanted the ball. That’s what Coach Steve Pikiell said following Stony Brook’s 53-51 loss to the Hartford Hawks Thursday night at Stony Brook University Arena. Down by two with the game on the line Tyree got a good 3-point look from the top of the key that would have put the Seawolves up one with less than five seconds remaining. Instead the Seawolves losing streak hits ten as they march closer towards the America East tournament.

From the outset of the game Stony Brook had trouble scoring against Hartford’s two-three zone defense. With little room to drive to the basket Stony Brook was forced to play a perimeter game, a style that does not suite them well. As a group the Seawolves only shot 37 percent from the field, and only made it to the foul line twice. In contrast to the last meeting between these two teams, Seawolves guard Ricky Lucas was a non-factor in this game, scoring only 5 points in 34 minutes of play.

‘Ricky was really a non-factor tonight. Last time out against these guys he put up 31. Tonight scoring was much more difficult,’ Pikiell said.

Coach Pikiell kept a relatively large rotation throughout the game, playing two distinct units. In respect to his roster Pikiell said, ‘Two through nine we’re very close. We’re going to try to wear down the other team by having fresh guys on the court.’

While one unit seemed to excel offensively, the other excelled defensively, with Pikiell saying he’s got to find a group that can do both effectively. Pikiell also said he uses a wide rotation to keep guys motivated this late in the season. ‘Everyone is working there tails off in practice, I want these guys to see how that can pay off.’

For much of the game Stony Brook played a defensively sound game. Over the final 7:29 they held Hartford to only scored five points. When they got a big defensive stop, they didn’t capitalize on the other end. When they had early chances to close the gap, the defense would falter.

Effort has not been an issue for this team, as they currently lead the America East in offensive rebounding and held Hartford, the highest scoring team in the America East to only 53 points. Pikiell said, ‘These guys are working hard every day and they deserve a win.’

With the America East tournament on the horizon Coach Pikiell said, ‘I break up the year into three seasons. You have your non-conference opponenets, your conference schedule, and then March. And anything can happen there.’