Box Score

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The VMI men's basketball team rallied from seven points down with just over a minute to play to force overtime Saturday, but Marist College recovered in the extra session to beat the Keydets 78-74. VMI junior guard Kamdyn Curfman netted a career-high 27 points in the non-conference contest from McCann Arena.

The Red Foxes led 32-25 at halftime and by as many as 10 in the second half. VMI trailed 66-59 with 1:18 on the game clock before Curfman took over. He scored the final seven points of regulation, including a layup with eight seconds left to tie the game at 66. The VMI defense held Marist scoreless the final 3:42 to send the game to OT.

Marist went ahead 76-72 in the extra period with 17 seconds left. Curfman made two free throws with eight seconds remaining to make it a one-possession game, but Ricardo Wright sealed the win for the hosts with two free throws.

Curfman hit five three pointers and all six of his free throws to go with five rebounds and four assists. Sean Conway had 18 points and eight rebounds, hitting 7-of-11 from the field while Jake Stephens produced a full stat line of 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four blocked shots and two steals. Freshman Honor Huff tied a career-high with nine points.

Wright finished with a game-high 29 points for Marist (2-2) and Noah Harris had 12. Samkelo Cele posted 11 points and eight boards and Raheim Sullivan scored 11. The Red Foxes held VMI to just 29 percent (10-35) shooting from three-point range.

The Keydets (2-2) travel to the New Orleans Classic next week to play games against Presbyterian, Central Arkansas and the host school Wednesday through Friday.

Quotes from head coach Dan Earl:

"Unfortunately, we had a similar game and similar result to our first road game at Presbyterian. We didn't execute great in the first half on the offensive end, but then responded in the second. Regardless of offensive execution we can't give up 17 offensive rebounds and let an opposing good player have a career game (Wright). Credit to Marist who played hard throughout and executed in OT.

"Kamdyn Curfman played well and I was proud of our team's ability to fight and battle back in the second half, but we have to address these issues in order to improve and figure out how to win on the road."