BRISTOL, R.I. – In one of the most thrilling early-season games of the year, the Curry College men's basketball team pushed Roger Williams to overtime on Wednesday night, but the Hawks escaped with an 89–88 victory in a back-and-forth Conference of New England (CNE) battle. The matchup featured 14 ties, 13 lead changes, and a dramatic finish that came down to the final possession.

The two teams played at an electric pace from the opening tip, finishing the first half locked at 39–39. Curry shot an impressive 55 percent from the field and relied heavily on its interior scoring, with forwards Shawn Charles and Jake Bernardo establishing early momentum. Bernardo, who turned in a dominant performance, was nearly unstoppable in the paint and finished with a team-high 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting along with 12 rebounds for a double-double.

The second half mirrored the first, with both teams trading baskets and neither leading by more than six. Freshman guard Manny Hidalgo delivered clutch offense throughout the night, totaling 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Tommy Mallinson added 14 points, including 9-of-10 from the free-throw line.

Curry appeared poised to take control late in regulation after a pair of buckets from Jeremiah Predin, who contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, but Roger Williams countered with key baskets of their own down the stretch and couldn't sink the game-winner on their final offensive possession. 

Tied at 79–79 after 40 minutes, the contest headed to overtime. Bernardo and Hidalgo opened the extra period with consecutive baskets for the Colonels, but the Hawks matched the offensive output to tie the game at 83-83. The teams would then exchange some empty possessions and after Isaiah Andino split his pair of free throws with 14 seconds left, the Hawks got the ball with one last chance to take the game. Unfortunately for the Colonels, Andino would foul Finn Miller on the possession and he would calmly sink both free throws which would effectively win the game for Roger Williams. 

Despite the narrow loss, Curry (1–4, 0–1 CNE) showcased their ability to hang with a conference rival and hope to rebound on Saturday as they return home to host the Trailblazers of MCLA at 2 PM.