NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The University of Hartford men's basketball team put together a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short falling to Albertus Magnus Tuesday, 85-78, in non-conference action.

The Falcons took control of the game with a 14-4 run that came on the heels of Hartford taking its only lead of the second half. The lead eventually increased to as much as 10 before Hartford put together one last gasp.

Graduate Trayon Rumley hit a three-pointer with a little of seven minutes remaining to cap a 7-0 spurt that pulled the Hawks to within three and led to an AMC timeout. However, Hartford couldn't get any closer.

Hartford struggled early with the Falcons' fullcourt pressure as it turned the ball over three times, missed its first five shots, and trailed by eight just five minutes into the contest. The deficit grew to as much as 13 in the first half before the Hawks settled it and got back into the game.

Four different players found the scorebook as Hartford scored 15 of the last 20 points to close the half and pull even.

Freshman Stephen Akwiwu registered his first career double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Beluolisah Oranye also recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Freshman Henry Herman came off the bench to play 30 minutes and finished with career highs in points (12), assists (8), and rebounds (7). For the second time this season, graduate Trayon Rumley tallied a career-high 17 points.

INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES

• For the first time since 2020, two Hawks recorded double-doubles in the same game.
• It marked the second time this season Hartford has outrebounded an opponent. The Hawks hit the glass to the tune of a 46-37 advantage.
• Hartford shot 62.5 percent (15-of-24) from the free-throw line.
• Four players played more than 30 minutes in the contest, including Oranye who played a career-best 34 minutes.
• Rumley finished with five assists, marking the first time he has recorded an assist in a college game.
• Senior Isaiah Rice dished out a career-high four assists.

WHAT'S NEXT
Hartford (1-2), after playing three games in five days, has a week off before returning to the court. The Hawks will host Vermont State – Johnson 7 p.m. Tuesday.