In the paint

BY MARCUS HENRY

It was another tough home loss for Stony Brook men on Wednesday night. Albany, two-time defending America East champion, dispatched the Seawolves, 80-64, in front of 1,197. What's perplexing about the loss is the tale-of-two-halves type of performance Stony Brook put together.

The Seawolves were awful in the first half, falling behind 42-21. But they came to play in the second half, outscoring Albany, 43-38. Bad starts against good teams won't get it done. In any league.

But there were a couple of bright spots. Redshirt freshman Chris Martin scored a career-high 12 points. And 10 of those came during a 10-2 Stony Brook in the second half run that go it within 10, 65-55, with 2:58 left. There was also Demetrius Young, who scored 10 points (5-6 FG). Young has been a real positive for the team lately. He's averaging almost nine rebounds per game.

Mitch Beauford and Ricky Lucas had off nights. When those two are off, you can forget about Stony Brook winning. Lucas ended up with 15, but 13 of those came late in the second after the game was decided. Beauford managed just four points on 2-for-7 shooting.

Another positive is the team survived against the two top teams in the conference (UMBC, Albany) and weren't totally outclassed. The Seawolves clearly have a long way to go, but they aren't that far from becoming a competitive team.

And you can't fault their dedication. Beauford was in the gym doing jump shot and dribbling drills long after the game ended. And Martin was feeding him passes. That's what it's going to take for the Seawolves to make a move.

BY MARCUS HENRY

Everything was clicking for Stony Brook in Sunday's 75-59 win over Maine. The offense, the defense and the special teams (my bad, this isn't football). The point is the Seawolves were in a groove. Mitch Beauford (21 points) was excellent and Ricky Lucas (18 points) found his stroke.

But it was more than just those two. Demetrius Young elipsed double figures in rebounding for the second straight game. And Jermol Paul (12 points) was huge in the second half. The key to the win was Stony Brook's second-half defense and its free-throw shooting. The Seawolves struggled from the field in the second half, but they went 14 of 19 from the line. They shot 8 of 23 from the field in the second, but limited Maine to just 30 points.

There were other subtle things that could be taken from the win -

-- Coach Steve Pikiell has shortened his rotation. Earlier this season he was playing everyone on the roster. On Sunday he played just nine of the 12 players who were available. And he didn't make his first subsitution until the 15:42 mark.

-- Getting Nick Carter involved in the offense is critical. He didn't play as much Sunday because of foul trouble, but when he first entered the game he got the crowd into it with a three. He gives the team instant energy when he's in the game.

-- Demetrius Young, if he continues his strong play, should be in the mix for defensive player of the year. He's becoming an excellent rebounder and has 14 steals.

-- The crowd was also a factor as 788 people showed up to root for the Seawolves.

-- Picking up a conference in so early in the season is huge. The Seawolves (4-10, 1-1 America East) haven't been .500 in conference play during a season since 2003-2004. They face a tough Albany team on Wednesday.

BY MARCUS HENRY

It was a struggle on offense for Stony Brook in its 76-62 loss to UMBC on Thursday. Nick Carter led all scorers with 18. But after him no one did anything of significance when the game really mattered. Michael Tyree had 11 points, but most of them came late in the game after UMBC built a substantial lead. Coach Steve Pikiell said he is hoping that a go-to guy eventually emerges. Ricky Lucas has been the Seawolves leading scorer this season, but he's been inconsistent. Against FDU he scored a season-high 27. He had 19 against Hofstra. But on Thursday he managed just 7 points and only had 3 against Cornell.

Carter has shown potential. He's scored in double figures in three of his last four games. Against Hofstra he came up with 14 huge points and he had 10 against Cornell. If Carter, who didn't play basketball last season, has found his stroke, Stony Brook won't be a welcome mat to the rest of the America East. Stony Brook (3-10, 0-1) will have a chance to even its conference record in a home game against Maine on Sunday. Maine is big, but doesn't shoot as well as UMBC and isn't as athletic. Hopefully the Seawolves use that to their advantage.

BY MARCUS HENRY

Nothing would be better than beginning the conference season with a win, especially for Stony Brook. The Seawolves struggled in non-conference play, losing several close games. They have also had problems scoring.

All of that is out the window now as the Seawolves (3-9) play host to UMBC (8-5) in their conference opener. It won't be an easy game. UMBC boasts four double-digit scorers and wins over Atlantic 10 teams Richmond and George Washington. The Retrievers top four scorers all shoot 40 percent or better from three-point range and as a team shoot 40 percent.

It will be difficult, but if the Seawolves can stop UMBC on the perimeter, they should be in the game. Of course Stony Brook will need to find a way to score. The Seawolves scored just 50 points in their loss to Cornell on December 29. The team is averaging just 60 points per game. Tonight would be the perfect breakout game for several players, including Nick Carter and Michael Tyree. Both players have shown flashes on the perimeter.

BY STEVEN MARCUS

Emanuel Neto lost his mother to kidney disease, but Stony Brook's center may have forged a new relationship with his estranged father. The two met for the first time in nearly two years during the funeral of Neto's mother in Angola. His parents had divorced several years ago and the son blamed his dad for not helping to facilitate a kidney transplant for the ailing woman.

``When I got there I learned about things that were going on between my mother's family against my father,'' Neto said. ``My mother's family didn't want my father to be at the funeral or even involved with it. But he sat with us (me and my brothers) and he admitted the things that he had done and how he know he was wrong and he asked us to forgive him and at least let him give my mother a honorable funeral. We forgive him. I did. After everything he did, he is still my father and one thing my mom taught me is that one can not live with hate in his heart forever, especially when is against a parent. We are now just working on our relationship, looking to improve it.''

BY STEVEN MARCUS

Stony Brook captain Emanuel Neto could not wait to go home to Angola for his mother's funeral, now he cannot wait to leave. He left Long Island earlier this week after his mother died of kidney failure during a major effort by Stony Brook to raise funds for a kidney transplant. Neto was expected back today but coach Steve Pikiell said his center was experiencing visa problems. ``After all he went through and now this,'' Pikiell said. Neto is not expected back before Christmas Eve.

BY MARCUS HENRY

Times have been tough for Emanuel Neto, whose mother died last Saturday after a long battle with kidney failure. But the 6-9 senior center has managed to channel the negative emotions into positive reinforcement. It worked on Monday night as Stony Brook picked up its second win of the season against NJIT. Neto could've missed the game. But he knew his mother would've wanted him to play and he knew his team needed him.

Coach Steve Pikiell left the decision up to his senior captain. Neto chose to play and it was a decision that paid off in a big way for the Seawolves. He didn't have a monster game on paper, but his emotion carried the team. "I didn't get the 20 rebounds coach wanted me to get," he said. "But I helped my boys get a win."

He made the biggest play late in the game. NJIT was poised for a comeback after it cut a 15-point deficit to four, 55-51, with 3:30 remaining. But Neto stepped in and took a charge, which negated a basket made by NJIT. The Seawolves ended the game on a 7-2 run for a 62-53 win. His emotion and that charge far outweighed the six points and two rebounds he had.

"He's our emotional leader," Mitch Beauford said. "We need him."

Neto credited his team and his coaching staff for helping him through a tough time. "The boys have been there for me. And that's really what's holding me together," Neto said.

One of the most popular athletes on campus, Neto is often seen at other sporting events, including soccer games and swimming meets. The rest of the athletic department returned the favor by attending the memorial service and Monday's game.

"When I go out to the swimming events it's usually just me and the family members. I just have to crazy, yelling and making up for the whole school. And I have a lot of soccer players in my family," Neto said.

I knew [the other teams] would come out for me. I'm there for them and they are there for me."

BY STEVEN MARCUS

This felt like a feel good story, sure to have a happy ending. The coming holidays only added to the luster. Emanuel Neto's mom would climb aboard a plane in Angola a sickly woman and come to America, to the great medical facility at Stony Brook, and emerge with a transplanted kidney and new lease on life.

Her son wanted to show his mom his life, his America. Manu, as everyone called him, had been in this country for four years but never grew used to or tired of what we take for granted. His coaches said he was thankful for a slice of pizza and a pair of sneakers. He is a throw-your-arms around type of kid because he exudes the genuine enthusiasm that we'd like to see at all levels of sports. He’s not a great player, but is a great leader. That’s why SBU named him captain.

There was this plan that his mom would see him play on Senior Day. She would have recovered by that time and for the first time in his college career, she would see him play in person. That vision was shared by athletic director Jim Fiore even as he feverishly tried to work on a fundraiser to get her here for the transplant.

She died Saturday at 52 and all the plans, all the hopes, all the dreams, were gone. Coach Steve Pikiell said his captain was devastated. So was everyone else who got caught up in the story.

BY MARCUS HENRY

Yes, it was another tough loss for Stony Brook at Lehigh, but there is reason for hope. Ricky Lucas seems to have found his stroke. He scored 19 against Dartmouth and 21 against Lehigh. Emanuel Neto grabbed 11 rebounds. Like Hofstra, Stony Brook has been a bit too reliant on Lucas. If he doesn't score, Stony Brook doesn't win. That can't be the case if the Seawolves plan on making any noise when their America East schedule begins. Someone else has to step up. Mitch Beaufoed and Michael Tyree, who's shown some potential, are logical candidates. Nick Carter and Demetrius Young have also shown some ability to score.

Whatever happens, one of the aforementioned needs to start supporting Lucas on a regular basis. It would be nice if Neto, who has a great tough, could get some looks, too. Next up for the Seawolves is a home game against NJIT on Monday. Stony Brook narrowly escaped with a win at NJIT season. It won't be any easier this year, but the Seawolves should have the upper hand.

BY MARCUS HENRY

After getting its first win of the season against Dartmouth on Saturday, would be too much to ask for the Seawolves (1-6) to win their second straight? No, it wouldn't. Stony Brook travels to Lehigh on Wednesday. Lehigh (3-5), after winning two of its first three games, has dropped four of its last five, including two straight to Quinnipiac and Central Connecticut State.

Lehigh's loss to Quinnipiac (92-88 2OT) was understandable, it's 65-55 loss to Central Connecticut State wasn't. The Blue Devils were coming off consecutive losses to Lafayette and La Salle. That tells me that the Seawolves have every reason to think they can win their second straight. To be perfectly honest, I'm expecting a Seawolves win. Lehigh has had trouble scoring for much of the season. Although the Mountain Hawks are a good three-point shooting team (.404), they have been awful overall (.428).

This isn't to say the game will be a route, because the Seawolves have had issues on offense themselves. But there's no reason why they can't pick up another win. Ricky Lucas is fresh off a 19-point game. Emanuel Neto is back in the starting lineup and had 10 points and six boards against Dartmouth. Mitch Beauford has been the hottest player on the squad. He scored 20 against Kentucky and 15 against Dartmouth.

Making predictions has gotten me into trouble (see my high school football championship record, it isn't good). But I am going out on a limb here. Stony Brook 62, Lehigh 55.

BY MARCUS HENRY

Ricky Lucas found his way with 19 points and three other players scored in double figures for Stony Brook in a 70-34 beating of Dartmouth. It might only be Dartmouth, but the Seawolves (1-6) had to get a win. Another encouraging aspect of the game was Emanuel Neto getting into the starting lineup and scoring 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting.

The Seawolves have two very winnable games against Lehigh and NJIT before their game at Hofstra on December 12. Coach Steve Pikiell certainly doesn't want his team looking two of three games down the line, but picking up two more wins before the Hofstra tilt certainly isn't out of the question.

BY STEVEN MARCUS

Stony Brook's basketball team has has been overwhelmed by a show of support from fans in Kentucky, who learned about the medical crisis affecting the mother of senior center Emanuel Neto. SBU lost in Kentucky Tuesday. E-mails have been received offering donations to help fund a kidney transplant for Neto's mom, who lives in Angola (where transplants are not performed) and has a donor match in her twin sister. Money and a favorable ruling by the NCAA stand in the way of her receiving the transplant in the United States. One especially touching email was sent to Neto. "I want to tell you I will be praying for your mom and hope the very best for her,'' it read.

Click here to read the Neto story.

BY MARCUS HENRY

Stony Brook found a way to stay with Kentucky. I know, this isn't your father's Kentucky team that was a final four contender every year under Rick Pitino or your grandpa's team that dominated college ball under Rupp. But it's still Kentucky. And the Seawolves deserve credit for only losing 62-52. Hey, they actually trailed by six with less than six minutes to go. But as has been the case this season, the Seawolves couldn't score. Not even from the free throw line as they hit just 11 of 20 attempts.

The good news is Michael Tyree had another strong game with 13 off the bench. And he hit three from long range in the second half. Mitch Beauford had 20. The main one missing from action was Ricky Lucas. He is still the team's best player, but he hasn't been consistent scoring. He needs to start pouring it on at some point, or Stony Brook (0-6) will struggle every night.

Winless in its first five games and now Stony Brook plays Kentucky at Rupp Arena. What answer will SBU have for Joe Crawford (19.5 ppg), Ramel Bradley (15.3) or Patrick Patterson (15.0)? We think none. Seawolves coach Steve Pikiell will take the monetary guarantee and the big time atmosphere for his kids and then get out of town. ``It's good in recruiting, I can really sell that to kids,'' he said. ``It is a good oportunity to get our name out there. It is a good experience for our kids, then let's get back home and get to work.'' Stony Brook figures to break the losing skid when it returns home to face Dartmouth Dec. 1.

BY STEVEN MARCUS

There were some laughs when Stony Brook guard Mitchell Beauford said he wanted to be a doctor. That was his freshman season and his grades were suspect. He had a difficult adjustment to academic life at Stony Brook--some thought he was on the way out--but he stayed the course and the guy we've always called Doc will graduate next month and then go on to graduate school. A high school standout at basketball-rich Christ the King, Beauford never became the next Speedy Claxton on the court, but he will achieve the significant goal of a college degree.

BY STEVEN MARCUS

At 0-3, it would appear the Seawolves are in trouble. But non-conference games are nothing short of exhibitions, so who cares?

Better to win them, of course, but the true test will be SBU's America East schedule. Can it go .500 (for the first time in D-I conference play) and contend with Albany, Boston University, etc.

The jury will be out until after the holidays.

BY MARCUS HENRY

Stony Brook's 0-2 start notwithstanding, there were several positives the team could take from its losses to Villanova and Lafayette.

First: Michael Tyree can shoot the ball. He drained three 3s and scored 18 points against Villanova. He only went 1 of 5 against Lafayette, but he came to the program with the reputation as a shooter.

Second: Emanuel Neto is 5-for-5 from the field in the first two games. He also has 18 rebounds in his first two games. If Neto can become a force offensively, Stony Brook could be dangerous. For that to happen, the Seawolves guards need to get the ball inside on a regular basis.

Third: Stony Brook got 28 points and 25 rebounds from its bench against Lafayette. That is certainly a positive.

Now for the downside. Monday's 76-68 overtime loss to Lafayette was the epitome of the 2006-2007 Seawolves. They would go into halftime with a lead only to lose by a small margin. That has to change. Stony Brook needs to start closing out games. Failing to close out games last year cost Stony Brook 5 to 7 wins. A 9-20 season could've easily been 14-15 or even 16-13.

Stony Brook fans need to keep the faith, because coach Steve Pikiell knows what he's doing.