COLCHESTER, VT – A prolonged scoring drought coupled with 17, first half turnovers created a deficit that The College of Saint Rose could not overcome in a 66-55 loss at Northeast-10 Conference rival Saint Michael's this evening. It marked the first Golden Knights setback in the last nine meetings versus the host Purple Knights.

Saint Rose (9-4/4-4 NE-10) was held to a pair of field goals during the final 10 minutes of the opening period that put the Golden Knights in arrears, 27-19, at the break. They found their stride a bit throughout the initial 12 minutes of the second half that allowed them to pull within five, 50-45, with 7:54 remaining after freshman center Dominykas Milka drained a pair of free throws.

However, the Purple Knights (4-7/2-5 NE-10) countered with a 12-3 run throughout the ensuing six minutes that put them in the driver's seat, 62-48, on the way to snapping a three-game skid.

Junior forward Brian Hanuschak led the Golden Knights in rebounding for the eighth time this year. Hanuschak finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. Junior guard Rob Gutierrez was the lone other player in twin-figures with 10 points. Freshman guard Kareem Thomas added seven points and four boards during 24 minutes of reserve duty.

For the home side, freshman guard Michael Holton, Jr. led a quartet of Saint Michael's players in double-figures scoring. Holton tossed in 14 points, while sophomore guard Travis Warech had 13 via 5-for-6 shooting from the floor. Senior guard Nate Birr and sophomore forward Derek Knutty finished with 11 each. Birr also distributed seven assists.

Looking ahead, both clubs have conference dates on tap for Saturday. The Golden Knights will host Franklin Pierce at 3:30 pm, while Saint Michael's heads to Syracuse for a 3:00 pm tip-off at Le Moyne.

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