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WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Joe Zeglinski scored a season-high 29 points as he led the Hartford men's basketball team on a furious late rally, but it was not enough as the Hawks fell to visiting UMBC on Thursday night, 78-70. Morgan Sabia added 15 points and 11 rebounds, his second career double-double, in the loss.

A choppy game throughout, Thursday saw the Hawks (7-17, 5-6) commit 34 personal fouls, sending the Retrievers (3-22, 2-10) to the line a staggering 53 times. UMBC converted on 39 chances while Hartford, which has benefited from proficient free-throw shooting in their five league victories, hit just 6-of-17 free throw attempts.

After trailing 33-25 at intermission, Zeglinski and the Hawks came alive in the second half. The all-time three-point leader at Hartford knocked down five of his seven three-pointers after halftime, finishing with 20 second-half points. Along with UMBC's Chris de la Rosa, Zeglinski was named the Nestle PurinaONE America East Player of the Game.

Although the Hawks shot just 38% from the field, they were able to stay in the game thanks to a season-best 18 offensive rebounds. Sabia, who tied his career high with 11 total boards, helped limit the Retrievers' 7'0" Robbie Jackson to just five points and three rebounds. Junior Anthony Minor also contributed to the Hawks' inside presence, tying his season-high with eight points and posting a new campaign high with seven rebounds. Minor hit 4-of-5 field goals.

The Hawks fell behind by as many as 17 in the second half, but crept back to within six with 4:07 to play. In the end, though, they could not overcome a cold shooting night, and while they hit 12 three-pointers, their 35 attempts was  a season high.

Hartford is back on the court on Saturday, when they travel to Boston University to take on the Terriers at 4 p.m. The game will air on Comcast SportsNet, and on the radio on the flagship station of Hartford men's basketball, WDRC-1360.