EASTON, Pa. (December 29, 2024) – Stonehill College's men’s basketball team clinched its first road win of the season, triumphing over Lafayette College in a tightly contested match at the Kirby Sports Center with a final score of 70-65. This victory not only marked the end of their non-conference schedule but also snapped a significant 28-game road losing streak.

A Hard-Fought Triumph Paves Way for Conference Success

Early Struggles and Turnaround

The game began with Lafayette College seizing an early advantage, jumping to a 7-0 lead. However, Stonehill's resilience was evident as graduate student Amir Nesbitt sparked a pivotal 11-1 run with consecutive three-pointers off the bench. The Skyhawks' momentum continued, with sophomore Louie Semona providing crucial scoring contributions, including a timely three-pointer that put Stonehill ahead 26-25. By halftime, a heavily contested layup by junior Chas Stinson gave Stonehill a narrow 28-27 lead. Despite trailing in rebounds, Stonehill capitalized on key moments, showcasing their ability to adapt under pressure. Nesbitt and freshman Hermann Koffi each hit two three-pointers, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Caleb Williams led Lafayette with eight points at the break, underscoring the competitive nature of the contest.

Pivotal Second Half

The second half saw both teams trading blows, with Lafayette initially taking control by converting their first four shot attempts. Yet, Stonehill remained undeterred. Sophomore Todd Brogna's quick four points and a three-pointer kept the score tied at 37-37. A brief surge by the Leopards saw them build a slight lead, but Stonehill responded swiftly with a 9-5 run, reestablishing their dominance.The game remained fiercely competitive, with multiple lead changes and ties. Senior Christopher Melis delivered a critical reverse layup, putting Stonehill back in front. As the clock wound down, Semona's banked-in three-pointer and Brogna's clutch free throws solidified Stonehill's lead. In the final minute, the Skyhawks held firm, securing a hard-fought 70-65 victory.

Statistical Highlights and Team Performance

Louie Semona emerged as the standout performer, scoring 15 points with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His shooting efficiency, going 6-9 from the field and 3-3 from beyond the arc, was instrumental in the Skyhawks' success. Chas Stinson contributed seven points, leading the team with nine rebounds and three blocked shots, demonstrating his defensive prowess.Lafayette's Caleb Williams matched Semona's 15 points, while Justin Vander Baan recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Despite these efforts, Stonehill's balanced attack and strategic plays ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

This win holds historical significance for Stonehill, marking their first-ever victory against Lafayette and ending a 28-game road losing streak that dated back to February 2023. The starting lineup of Josh Morgan, Koffi, Stinson, Brogna, and Ethan Meuser improved to 7-2 on the season, highlighting their consistency and effectiveness.Looking ahead, the Skyhawks are set to open their Northeast Conference schedule against Mercyhurst on January 3, 2025, in Erie, Pennsylvania. With this morale-boosting win, Stonehill enters the conference play with renewed confidence and a winning record in non-conference games, positioning them as a formidable contender.