NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Despite 26 points and eight rebounds from sophomore guard Ryan Richmond (Toronto, Ont./Thomson Collegiate), the Bentley University Falcons dropped a 79-67 decision to Southern Connecticut State University in Northeast-10 Conference men's basketball Saturday afternoon at the Moore Field House.

Bentley fell to 9-10 overall and 6-8 conference after shooting a season-low .311, including just .243 in the first half. Southern Connecticut, which tops the NE10 Southwest Division standings, improved to 15-6 overall and 11-3 in conference play.

A one-point game as the first-half clock approached seven minutes, Bentley saw the Owls embark on a 25-12 run during the rest of the half, opening a 40-26 lead. Included were five points in the final 20 seconds, a three from freshman guard Noah Miree (Middlebury, Conn.) and a lay-up, following a steal, by senior forward Austin Carter (Bloomfield, Conn.) that just beat the buzzer.

Midway through the second half, Southern ran off eight straight, including four from senior guard Michael Mallory (Waterbury Conn.), to open a 61-42 lead with 9:20 to play. That came during a stretch in which the Falcons were held without a field goal for about five-and-a-half minutes.

Although faced with a 20-point deficit with only 7:30 to play, Bentley still had some fight left. The Falcons, over the next five-plus, put together a 14-2 burst to draw within eight, 68-60 with two minutes left.

Sophomore Zach Gilpin (Hampden, Maine/Hampden Academy) started the run with a sort baseline jumper and later connected from three. Richmond was also a factor with a couple baskets off drives.

Another Gilpin three, this one from the right wing, made it a seven-point game, 70-63, with 1:39 to play.  However, five of six free throws by Southern in the final 55 seconds locked up the victory for the home team.

Richmond's 26 points included a 10-for-11 performance from the foul line. Gilpin and junior forward Brandon Wheeler (Stamford, Conn./Trinity Catholic HS) both provided Bentley with 13 points, with Wheeler also claiming 15 rebounds and handing out three assists.

Mallory, the fourth leading scorer in conference history, totaled 31 points on 12 of 18 shooting. In addition, he led Southern in rebounds with 11 and also had three assists and two blocks. The Owls also received 18 points from Laramie Community College transfer Jerry Luckett Jr. (Milwaukee, Wisc.).

While Bentley endured cold shooting throughout, Southern Connecticut overcame a slow start to connect at a .459 clip. Rebounds (49-45) and bench scoring (20-2) also favored the Owls. Bentley took better care of the ball, committing just seven turnovers.

Bentley, 8-2 in home games, will look to improve on that mark when it hosts Stonehill Wednesday night (7:30 pm).