ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College men's basketball team was defeated by ninth-ranked Hamilton College, 97-88, Tuesday night in non-conference matchup at Stevenson Athletic Center. 

The loss dropped the Raptors to 2-2 on the year, while the Continentals of Hamilton stayed perfect at 3-0.

From the opening tip to the final horn, it was a battle throughout the night. Hamilton began the game with two early buckets to grab the lead, before Bard charged right back. The Raptors were able to tie the contest early at 9-9 and again at 11-11, only to have the guests power right back in front. Hamilton scored the next nine points to grab a commanding lead, but the Raptors didn't go down that easy.

The hosts were eventually able to cut the deficit to 30-29 with 4:08 remaining, before the Continentals closed the opening half on a 15-6 run to secure a 45-36 halftime lead.

Hamilton continued that scoring run into the second half, as the team scored the first seven points of the frame to extended its lead to, 52-36, with 17:47 remaining. The Raptors' fight was just beginning however, as the hosts proceeded to outscore Hamilton, 13-4, over the next two minutes to the deficit to 56-49. 

As the second half progressed, the two sides continued to trade blows. Just as quickly as Hamilton extended its lead back into double digits, the Raptors answered right back to close the gap again.

Down the stretch, a layup from Armando Dunn with 7:49 cut the Bard deficit to 70-65, but that was as close as the Raptors got the rest of the way. A few minutes later, the lead was back up to 14 points, as the Raptors just ran out of time to make the comeback. 

On the night, Bard shot 41 percent from the field and just 12 percent from three point range. Hamilton meanwhile, finished with a 49/22 shooting percent split in the winning effort. Rebounds were slightly in Hamilton's favor, 51-45, but turnovers were even at 17 each. 

Individually, Alijah Rue continued his impressive start to the season, as the sophomore poured in 31 points, six rebounds and four steals for the Raptors.

Dunn had a career night, as the senior scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds. David Runcie was the only other Bard player in double digits, as he finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.

On the other side, Kena Gilmour (New Paltz, NY) powered the Continentals with 32 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. 

The Raptors have the next week off for Thanksgiving break, but will be right back to action on November 27th as the team hosts SUNY Delhi. That game is set to start at 7 p.m. and you can follow it here.