NEW PALTZ, N.Y. (Interstat) — SUNY New Paltz will host Brooklyn College in a men’s NCAA Division III basketball game on Friday at Hawk Center in New Paltz, N.Y. The Hawks and Bulldogs both enter the matchup with 0-0 season records, giving each team an early chance to establish momentum.

SUNY New Paltz returns to action after a recent 97-88 overtime loss to Plattsburgh State at home on Feb. 24. The Hawks will look to tighten their defense and control the pace against a Brooklyn College team that also is coming off a close defeat. The Bulldogs most recently dropped a 76-72 double-overtime decision to City College of New York at Brooklyn College on Feb. 25.

Brooklyn College will be the visiting team in a building that can make road communication and execution difficult. The Bulldogs will need poise against SUNY New Paltz’s home court setting and will try to use their recent overtime experience to stay composed in late-game situations. SUNY New Paltz, known as the Hawks, will aim to use the home environment at Hawk Center to set the tone early. Brooklyn College, nicknamed the Bulldogs, will seek to counter with a steady half-court approach and limit second-chance opportunities. The Hawks will try to establish an early rhythm in front of their home crowd and make the Bulldogs work for scoring chances in the half court. Brooklyn College will attempt to stay compact defensively, avoid turnovers and keep the game within reach deep into the second half. SUNY New Paltz will aim to turn defensive stops into transition opportunities while Brooklyn College looks to slow the pace and execute in set possessions. The Bulldogs’ recent double-overtime game could help them remain calm if the contest stays close down the stretch. The Hawks’ overtime loss to Plattsburgh State also provided late-game experience that could prove useful in a tight matchup.

The matchup is one of the early tests on the schedule for both programs. SUNY New Paltz and Brooklyn College each will be searching for a first win of the season, and the game could offer an early look at how both teams handle tight stretches. The Hawks’ home crowd and familiarity with the Hawk Center are among the factors surrounding the contest, while the Bulldogs will work to manage the road setting and produce a complete performance.

Interstat’s game simulator is projecting a final score of SUNY New Paltz 75, Brooklyn College 67. Interstat’s ELO system is projecting SUNY New Paltz with an 88.4 percent probability to win.