Staten Island slips past men's basketball

STATEN ISLAND, New York – The American International College men's basketball team suffered a 69-64 setback at the College of Staten Island on Saturday, December 10.

AIC falls to 3-8 and remains 2-3 in Northeast-10 Conference play. 

The Dolphins went on an early run and led 9-2 before AIC's first field goal nearly four minutes into the game. They built that lead as high as 13 midway through the half before AIC began chipping away; a three by Jack Hall from Justice Ellison was the last field goal of the half, putting AIC within a 34-29 margin at the break.

The Yellow Jackets started the second frame on a 9-0 run, taking a 40-34 lead before the Dolphins finally scored. It was back-and-forth from there through to an Ellison layup with 6:39 to play that had AIC up 59-50.

However, the hosts were able to tie the game, and ultimately took the lead on an and-one by Messiah Mallory with 2:49 to play. Hall tied the game with a three with 22 seconds in regulation, but Luis Armas countered with one of his own with five seconds left to give Staten Island the win.

Hall had 18 points to lead AIC; Ellison notched seven points and a team-best nine boards. Jalen Jordan scored 11 points and contributed five rebounds.

AIC will next head to Puerto Rico to take on the University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras on Friday, December 16 at 4:00 p.m.