AMHERST, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan men's basketball team came away with a 67-60 win on Friday night as they took on Nyack College in their season opener in part of the ECC-CACC Challenge presented by WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery PC hosted by Daemen College.
 
Leading the way for Roberts was newcomer Jean Toussaint who had a game-high 19 points and seven rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting.
 
It was a tight contest in the first half with the lead changing hands four times, but the Redhawks were able to take a 26-23 lead into halftime. The largest lead of the half belonged to Roberts with 6:26 remaining in the half when a shot tipped in by Toussaint put the Redhawks up five. Both teams struggled from the field in the first half with Nyack going 9-of-28 (32%) and Roberts 11-of-27 (40%).
 
The Redhawks held their lead the entire second half to secure the first win of the season, but the Warriors got things close with under four minutes remaining when they cut a seven point lead to three points. A made free throw made the score 55-52, but a dagger three pointer by transfer junior Michael Bush extended the lead to six points which was followed by a made shot by Toussaint to give the Redhawks an eight point advantage. Another bucket by Toussaint gave Roberts a double digit lead and the team was able to hit free throws down the stretch to walk away with the 67-60 win.
 
Roberts forced 21 turnovers defensively with senior Manny Joseph picking up for steals. The Redhawks had 15 turnovers of their own leading to 15 points for the Warriors.
 
Roberts Wesleyan (1-0) will face Felician College in the second game of the ECC-CACC Challenge on Saturday at 2 p.m.