ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College men's basketball team was defeated by Hobart College, 76-68, Friday night in a Liberty League contest. 

The loss dropped the Raptors to 6-6 overall and 2-3 in Liberty League play. The Statesmen of Hobart meanwhile, improved to 7-6 and 4-2 on the season.

Despite how frantic the action was during the game and the tight score throughout, Hobart was actually in control the game most of evening. The only time they weren't leading? The beginning of the game, as the Raptors scored the first four points on the night.

The guests quickly answered back though, to tie the game at 4-4. After the two sides traded three-pointers on their next possessions, Hobart grabbed the lead on a three-pointer from Colin Dougherty (Lockport, NY) with 15:56 remaining in the opening half. At the time it didn't seem like much, but from that point until the final horn, Hobart never trailed again in the game.

However, despite the fact that the Raptors never led again, they continued to play their hearts out. After falling behind 25-15 midway through the opening half, Bard was able to cut the deficit to 28-27 with three minutes left in the frame. The Statesmen did respond and extended that advantage to 37-31 at halftime, but just as quickly as the guests answered, Bard answered right back. 

Armando Dunn poured in seven straight points for the Raptors to start the second half, as the hosts once again cut the deficit to just a point, 39-38. Unfortunately, the Raptors just couldn't find the score to put them back in front, as Hobart regained its form and held Bard at bay the rest of the way.

It was a sloppy game for both sides on the night, as Bard shot just 36 percent and turned the ball over 21 times in the losing effort. Hobart wasn't much better, finishing with a 39 percent shooting mark and 17 turnovers. 

Offensively, the Raptors once again saw balanced scoring, as four players finished with double digits. Alijah Rue led the team with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Dunn finished with 15 points. Justyn Rogers added 14 points and Jelani Bell-Isaac chipped in 10 points off the bench. 

For Hobart, Dougherty powered the way with 22 points, while Jamal Lucas (New York, NY) added 15 points and eight rebounds.

The Raptors are back in action tomorrow (January 12th), as they host RPI at 4 p.m. You can follow that contest right here.