MORRISTOWN, N.J. - The College of Saint Elizabeth's men's basketball team (6-4, 1-1 NEAC) fell in its first game of 2019 to the College of New Rochelle, 91-85 on Saturday afternoon.

With a noon tip-off, both teams got off to a slow start as the Eagles lead 9-8 seven minutes into the contest.  Over the next four minutes, the Eagles used an 11-8 run to take a four-point lead, its largest of the game.  Throughout the next three minutes, the Blue Angels used a 10-2 run to take a 26-22 advantage.  The Eagles managed to score the final four points of the half to cut the deficit to 39-37 heading into the break.

Following the Eagles tying the game at 51 five minutes into the second half, New Rochelle used a 7-0 to gain a 58-51 advantage, the largest for either team in the game.  Despite trailing by as much as nine, the Eagles tried to mount a comeback with nine minutes remaining, cutting the deficit to 66-63. 

CSE managed to get within two, however the Blue Angels ran the score back up to eight with 4:30 minutes remaining.  With just under a minute remaining, Jason Saldiveri made a driving layup to get the Eagles with 83-78.  Over the final minute, the Eagles could not get closer than five, dropping the contest, 91-85.

Salidveri led the Eagles with 28 points, nine rebounds and four steals.  Ted Thelemaque and Darnill Brown each finished with 10 points in the loss.

CSE returns to action on Wednesday when it hosts Gallaudet University at 6 pm.