HOBOKEN, N.J. (January 27, 2022)  – Junior Conor Coffey scored 17 of his game-high 19 points in the second half as the Stevens Institute of Technology men's basketball team defeated Arcadia University 64-55 Wednesday night in a MAC Freedom matchup at Canavan Arena.

Graduate student Alec DiPietrantonio posted his eight double-double of the season with 17 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Ducks, who won their fourth straight to improve to 8-6 on the year and to 7-3 in league play. The Ducks moved into second place in the MAC Freedom with the victory, sliding a half-game in front of idle Lycoming. DiPietrantonio also finished with three blocks.

Jalen Watkins had 11 points and a game-high 16 rebounds for Arcadia, who fell to 6-13 on the year and to 5-5 in league play. The Knights are tied with Misericordia in the conference standings, but won the only head-to-head meeting between the teams. Stevens moved to 3-0 all-time against Arcadia. 

After a tight first half that produced five ties and three lead changes, the Duck defense took over after the intermission, holding Arcadia to a single point over the first five minutes of action. Stevens kept Arcadia off the board with eight straight misses to open the half, while also forcing three turnovers. While the defense was holding Arcadia in check, a Coffey jumper kicked off the 9-1 run that turned a one-point halftime lead into an eight-point advantage. 

Stevens held Arcadia to just 6 for 31 (19.4%) over the game's final 20 minutes, which included a 2 for 14 performance inside the arc. For the game, Arcadia only mustered 18 field goals (29%), the third time this season that the Ducks have held an opponent under 30%. Stevens continues to lead the MAC Freedom in opponent field-goal percentage. 

The Ducks would open as much as a 14-point lead in the contest after a Matt LaCorte jumper only for Arcadia to pull within one after a Justin Money three. 

Coffey would take over in the second half, scoring on an array of pull-up jumpers, driving layups, spin moves and floaters. The Monroe, New York native scored on a pair of nifty drives to the basket, drawing oohs and aahs from teammates. Coffey went 5 for 6 from the line down the stretch to seal the victory.

Not to be outdone, DiPietrantonio saved his best stretch for the game's crucial moments, nearly posting a double-double (7 points, 11 rebounds) in the second half and the fifth-year forward was the only Duck to play all 20 second-half minutes. 

After not sinking a free throw in the first half, Stevens went 15 for 20 from the line in the second half - the second-most by the team this season.

Pivotal Point

• Money's three pulled Arcadia within one (39-38) with just over 13 minutes left in the contest.
• The Ducks went on a 14-1 run to push their lead to 14.
• Coffey accounted for six of the 14 points on the run, with LaCorte contributing four.

Inside the Numbers

• Stevens finished 24 of 64 (37.5%) from the floor.
• The Ducks held a slim 46-45 edge on the glass, although Arcadia held an 18-17 edge on the offensive glass. The Knights' advantage in offensive rebounding helped Arcadia gain a 16-12 edge in second-chance points.
• Despite Arcadia's attempts to push the pace, Stevens held a decisive 17-6 advantage in fast-break points. 
• LaCorte finished with a team-high three assists and a team-high three steals.
• First-year Jack Spellman had four blocks. 
• Each side committed 17 fouls. 
• Coffey finished a game-high +13.
• Stevens held a 38-18 edge in points in the paint. 
• Of DiPietrantonio's 15 rebounds, nine came on the offensive glass.

Unsung Hero

• Graduate student Maguire Sweeney came off the bench to sink a long three and make three of his four attempts from the line. He also blocked a shot.

From the Court - Head Coach Bobby Hurley

• "Our defense was terrific tonight. I thought we did a great job staying locked in on the defensive end even when we struggled offensively. Arcadia's defense bothered us, but our ability to get the ball inside and get to the free throw line really helped us."

Up Next

• Men's basketball welcomes Hamilton College to Canavan Arena on Jan. 28 in the Ducks' final non-conference game of the season.
• It is believed to be the first meeting between the programs. 
• Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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