Box Score POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - The Dutchess Men's Basketball team started their season off on the right foot Thursday night defeating Ulster Community College in their home opener in front of a packed and raucous crowd in Falcon Hall, 85-81. 

    The Falcons, under new head coach Tirek Gayle, finished strong after trailing at the half 44-39. Taking advantage of a total 41 Senators turnovers, Dutchess came out in the second half fired up and with a sense of urgency and were able to outscore Ulster 46-37 in the second half leading to the victory. Despite Ulster's efficient shooting from beyond the arc all game long, Dutchess remained focused and played aggressive basketball in the final minutes.

    DCC played a strong inside game shooting 62% from the paint. Leading Dutchess was sophomore guard Jaquan Strong with 25 points on 10 of 16 shooting, and freshman forward Marsallis Faircloth with 14 points on 70% shooting including a dominating performance in the paint finishing 6 of 7 from underneath.

                    
                                                                            

    The men travel to Syracuse this weekend for the Onondaga Community College Classic played on both Saturday, November 5th and Sunday, November 6th. The Falcons next home game is Thursday, November 10th against Bronx CC at 8pm in Falcon Hall.