Stony Brook falls to Western Kentucky, 67-66
Stony Brook guard Carson Puriefoy poses for a photo during Stony Brook's basketball media day on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Carson Puriefoy III's three-pointer with 2:06 left moved Stony Brook within a point of Western Kentucky on Saturday, leaving the Seawolves with plenty of time as they attempted to erase an eight-point deficit.
But the Seawolves would not score again -- nor would Western Kentucky in the Hilltoppers' 67-66 victory at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Jameel Warney recorded his ninth straight double-double dating to last season with 11 points and 16 rebounds, but with a chance to tie the score or put the Seawolves ahead, he missed two free throws with seven seconds remaining. Rayshaun McGrew (18 points) grabbed the offensive rebound, but his jumper was blocked by 7-1 Ben Lawson with four seconds remaining.
"I thought Ray McGrew bounced back from a tough game against Vanderbilt the other night and played the way he's capable of playing,'' coach Steve Pikiell said.
Puriefoy scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half but missed two jumpers in the final 2:06. Warney rebounded the second one and was fouled by Lawson with seven seconds left.
Ahmad Walker added seven rebounds and five assists.
Stony Brook (1-2) had 24 offensive boards in outrebounding Western Kentucky 53-35. They also outrebounded Vanderbilt in a loss Thursday night in which Puriefoy hit a floater with one second left in regulation to force overtime.
Justin Johnson had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Hilltoppers (2-1), who shot 9-for-14 from three-point range to Stony Brook's 5-for-23. Nigel Snipes added 20 points off the bench.
"We didn't play our best game, but I'm proud of our toughness,'' Pikiell said. "We showed a lot of grit coming back in a tough environment. They've got a lot of upperclassmen who were able to make plays down the stretch.''
