Men's Basketball Clipped at Staten Island, 85-81

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  – Continuing a stretch of seven straight non-conference games to start the new campaign, the University of Bridgeport's men's basketball team was defeated at Staten Island on Saturday by a score of 85-81. The road loss puts the Purple Knights' record at 3-1 in the early season.

For the fourth straight contest, Aliou Cisse led the way for Bridgeport. The CACC's leading scorer this season poured in another 26 points on 12-of-19 shooting.

Cisse also finished with six rebounds and two blocks. He is now averaging 22.8 points and 6.0 boards per game this season.

Following Cisse, it was a pair of 12-point efforts that aided UB. Justin Hendrick knocked in his dozen courtesy of four three-pointers while Nick Traill made three from long range and a trio of free throws.

UB's other statistical leaders included Jason Edokpayi who tallied a team-high eight rebounds to go along with eight points. Amadou Traore also chipped in eight points off the bench.

Bridgeport's team totals included 11 steals and six blocks while the Purple Knights matched a season-best with nine three-pointers. Staten Island, meanwhile, outrebounded UB by a 44-28 margin.

The Dolphins also made 27 free throws in the game compared to 13 attempted free throws from Bridgeport.

The Purple Knights led by seven at halftime before a 26-10 run put CSI up 69-60 with 9:00 remaining in regulation. Bridgeport battled from there.

A Michel Ndayishimiye three-ball would trim the lead to 72-70 with 5:24 left while a Cisse three-point play cut the advantage to 78-77 with 90 seconds left.

A CSI dunk with 22 ticks on clock, which lifted the Dolphins to an 82-78 advantage, ended up being the clinching bucket.

UP NEXT
The Purple Knights will play at STAC on Tuesday at 7 p.m.