The New Haven men’s basketball team could not complete the dramatic comeback against Saint Rose on Wednesday night, losing 72-67 in a crucial game. Saint Rose’s offense was too much to handle for the Chargers, being down by as many as 16. They were able to cut into the deficit following a strong second half on offense but they came up just short in the end.

New Haven jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first three minutes of play before Saint Rose guard Max Jusianiec started his career night, finishing the game with 39 points. Jusianiec cut into New Haven’s lead with his first of eight three-pointers and a layup to tie the game at five.

The teams exchanged baskets as they tied it back up at 12 points with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. Jusianiec then took over the game, scoring 11 consecutive points to give Saint Rose a comfortable lead and then tallying an assist to increase it.

New Haven cut the lead down to nine with layups by forward Ty Perry and guard Quashawn Lane but the Golden Knights answered right back with a three by guard Keegan Zoller to push the lead back to 12. The Chargers had no answer early for the red-hot Saint Rose offense as they looked to get themselves within close range in the closing minutes of the first half.

Forward Davontrey Thomas brought the Chargers within seven with the first of his two threes but Saint Rose caught fire once again, bringing their lead up to 16 after a jumper by forward Josh McGettigan. The Golden Knights would go into halftime up by 14 as the Chargers could not find a way to shut down their offense.

New Haven started the scoring in the second half with a layup by Perry as they looked to erase their deficit. Jusianiec continued his dominance from behind the arc with his seventh three-pointer as Saint Rose stayed in control early in the half. The Chargers’ offense started to show signs of life, but for every score they had, Jusianiec answered right back.

After a New Haven timeout, guard Victor Olawoye hit two free throws followed by a score from Lane to bring the deficit to 10. Olawoye continued his strong second half with a three, and Thomas drilled his second three of the game, making it a two-point game with just over six minutes to play.

The crowd was behind the Chargers all the way, erupting with every score and takeaway to help will their team back from the early deficit.

With four minutes remaining, Jusianiec knocked down another shot behind the arc for the last of his remarkable 39 points. Saint Rose held on to their lead, closing the game out with an impressive 72-67 win.

New Haven will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, staying home to face the American International College in their Fight 4 Literacy game. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. as the Chargers look to put an end to their three-game losing streak. More information can be found at newhavenchargers.com.