The Stevens Institute of Technology men's basketball team's comeback fell just short as they lost to Arcadia University by a score of 66-65 in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom game. Despite a strong performance, the Ducks couldn't overcome a 13-point deficit in the first half, finishing with a record of 6-7 overall and 0-2 in conference play. Harmehar Chhabra led the team with a career-high 24 points, while Jamison Lynam was the top scorer for Arcadia with 19 points.
The game began with Stevens trailing early, 11-4, but Chhabra's free throw and Brendan Coughlan's layup brought them back to within a possession. Arcadia's lead expanded to double digits, but Matt Leming's three-pointer cut the deficit to eight. Arcadia's lead grew to 13 before Chhabra's three-pointer with 22 seconds left in the half sent the Ducks into halftime trailing 31-22.
Arcadia dominated the first half, shooting 46.4% from the field, while Stevens struggled with a 33.3% shooting percentage. In the second half, Arcadia's lead hovered around four points before a 5-0 run by Stevens, fueled by Anthony Loscalzo's three-pointer and Chhabra's layup, tied the game at 46-46.
The game remained close throughout the second half, with both teams trading baskets. Loscalzo's third three-pointer of the game brought Arcadia within two points. Despite Arcadia's free-throw conversions, Kyle Maddison's three-pointer and Chhabra's and-one layup put Stevens ahead, 62-61.
However, Arcadia quickly responded with a Lynam jumper, and Chhabra's free throw tied the game at 63. After Arcadia's free throw, Stevens missed an offensive opportunity, and Lynam's layup with 58 seconds left gave Arcadia a 66-63 lead. Chhabra's layup and a turnover forced by Stevens set up a final chance.
With the clock ticking down, Chhabra secured a rebound and worked the clock down to single digits. Leming's three-pointer missed, but Tommy Scholl grabbed the offensive rebound and called a timeout with 0.3 seconds remaining. Despite a late attempt by Chhabra, the game ended with a one-point Arcadia victory, leaving the Ducks with a final record of 6-7 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
Chhabra's performance was impressive, with 24 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Scholl and Loscalzo each scored 12 points, with Loscalzo hitting three three-pointers. Stevens shot 61.5% in the second half, including 6-of-12 from deep. Maddison led the team with five assists and two steals.
The Ducks will continue their homestand on Wednesday, hosting King's College at 5:30 p.m. inside Canavan Arena.
