EASTON, Mass. - The Bloomfield College Bears men's basketball team fell, 84-73 on the road against the Skyhawks of Stonehill College Saturday afternoon in a non-conference regional battle. Senior guard, Marvin Williams (Jersey City, N.J.) and freshman forward, Nick Davidson (Lumberton, N.J.) each contributed 18 points for Bloomfield in their starting roles. Senior Matt Hall (Brooklyn, N.Y.) came in off the bench to add 13 points for the Bears who fell to 6-9 on the year. For the Skyhawks, junior Pierce Cumpstone (Bainbridge Township, Ohio) poured in a game-high 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field as Stonehill improved to 10-6 on the season. 

The Bears built an early eight-point advantage (11-3) after Williams knocked down a jumper 3:18 into the game but the home team steadied took their first lead (16-15) on a three-point bomb from junior Carter Smith (Columbus, Ohio). The Skyhawks never trailed again, securing as much as a 15 spread on another Smith jumper before taking a 13 point cushion (42-29) into halftime. Bloomfield shot just 34.2 percent (13-38) from the field in the opening frame while the hosts managed a 55.2 percent (16-29) showing before heading into the locker room.

The Bears improved their shooting percentage in the second half but the damage had already been done with Stonehill's lead staying over double figures for the first 11:30 of the frame. The Bears would mount a run to get within six (63-57) on two free-throws by junior guard Clarence White (Bronx, N.Y.) with eight minutes still to play. Cumpstone righted the ship for the Skyhawks with a layup and three-pointer to restore a double-digit lead before adding a third consecutive basket for a 13 point advantage (70-57) with only 6:22 remaining. Bloomfield moved to within nine on a Davidson layup with 3:38 showing on the clock, but could get no closer as Stonehill fired on all cylinders to answer down the stretch and close out the non-conference home win.

Stonehill finished the afternoon shooting 50-percent (30-for-60) from the field, and 10-for-28 (35.7%) from beyond the arc. The Skyhawks converted 14-of-16 (87.5%) free-throws and held a 40-36 rebounding edge. Bloomfield concluded the contest shooting just 38.6-percent (27-for-70) from the floor including 3-of-14 (21.4%) from downtown, while converting 16-of-20 (80%) free-throws. The Bears held a 40-32 points in the paint edge and had a slight advantage in points off turnovers (15-13).

Bloomfield's next challenge will be Wednesday, January 21st when they travel to face Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) North Division rival, Nyack College with a 7:30 pm tip off.  Stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, from the Bloomfield College athletic department by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter or Instagram @GO_BCBears.