Stony Brook won its second game against UNH this year on Sunday.

Stony Brook Men’s Basketball Team Wins 18th Straight Game

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The Stony Brook University Seawolves defeated the New Hampshire Wildcats, 59-58, on Feb. 14, 2016. Photo by Jesse Friedlander.

By Jesse Friedlander
Contributing Writer

Jameel Warney rose up and got his eighth block of the game at the buzzer, as the Seawolves held off the New Hampshire Wildcats 59-58, extending the nations longest active winning streak to 18 games at the Island Federal Credit Union Arena on Sunday.

Warney added eight rebounds and 16 points, making him only eight points away from breaking Emeka Smith’s school record of 1,978. With the victory, Stony Brook (22-4, 13-0 America East)  is guaranteed at least a share of the America East regular season title. Stony Brook almost blew a nine point lead with 5:41 remaining, and ended the game with sloppy play. A crucial late-game free throw from Ahmad Walker and three late turnovers made the game too close for comfort for the Seawolves.

“We can win the game both ways on the offensive end and on the defensive end, we did it on the defensive end today,” senior Carson Puriefoy said after the game. Puriefoy had 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, playing in all but one minute of Sunday’s game.

Stony Brook fell behind early Sunday, only scoring nine points in the first 11 minutes. After a 10-0 run by the Seawolves to make the game 19-14, New Hampshire was never able to regain the lead. UNH’s Tanner Leissner led the game in scoring with 26 points and also gathered nine rebounds. The loss for UNH ended a four-game winning streak and puts the team third in the America East conference standings.

With the victory, Stony Brook remains undefeated at home and in conference play this season. Coach Steve Pikiell attributed his team’s success to his three starting seniors, Warney, Puriefoy and Rayshaun Mcgrew, who all scored in double figures. The Seawolves defense, which ranks 11th in the nation in points per game, giving up just under 62 points per game shut down UNH all game as the Wildcats were held to 33 percent shooting.

Stony Brook will travel to Albany on Wednesday, Feb. 17 in hopes of claiming the America East regular season title.