NEW YORK (Interstat) — In a game defined by grinding defense and missed opportunities, the Wagner Seahawks mounted a second-half comeback to edge the New Haven Chargers 65-62 in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball contest on Thursday night at Spiro Sports Center.

The game, played before an intimate crowd of 384, saw Wagner improve to 12-16 overall while New Haven fell to 13-17. The victory avenged an 80-74 home loss to the Chargers just over a month ago.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the final minute, a chaotic sequence that saw three lead changes and ultimately decided the contest. Trailing 61-58, Wagner’s Nick Jones connected on a clutch 3-pointer from the wing with 56 seconds remaining, assisted by John Awoke, to tie the game. After a New Haven turnover, Wagner worked the clock before John Awoke was fouled on a drive with 23 seconds left. Awoke calmly sank both free throws to put the Seahawks ahead 63-61.

New Haven’s Najimi George was fouled on the ensuing possession and made both of his free throws with 24 seconds on the clock, knotting the score at 63. Wagner called a timeout to set up a play. Out of the break, the ball found its way to Travis Gray, who was fouled with 31 seconds left. Gray, under pressure, made both free throws to restore Wagner’s lead at 65-63.

New Haven had one final chance to tie or win. The Chargers designed a play for leading scorer Jabri Fitzpatrick, but his driving layup attempt was off the mark with five seconds left. Wagner’s John Awoke secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and made two more free throws with 23 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 67-63, effectively sealing the game. A late and-one opportunity for New Haven’s Andre Pasha with no time remaining provided the final margin.

The frantic finish capped a game where both teams struggled offensively for long stretches. The first half was a defensive slog, with Wagner taking a 20-22 lead into the break. New Haven shot just 19 of 54 from the field for the game, a frigid 35.2 percent, and connected on only 5 of 23 attempts from beyond the arc. Wagner was not much better, finishing 22 of 55 overall, but their 9-for-25 performance from three-point range proved decisive. The Seahawks also capitalized more efficiently on their possessions, posting an offensive rating of 102.1 points per 100 possessions compared to New Haven’s 98.5.

Jabri Fitzpatrick led all scorers with 21 points for New Haven, though it came on inefficient shooting, adding two steals in a game-high 40 minutes. Andre Pasha added 15 points, three blocks, and two steals for the Chargers. Stefano Faloppa, from Portogruaro, Italy, chipped in six points and two assists.

Wagner’s attack was more balanced. John Awoke of Alexandria, Virginia, and Nick Jones of Edgewood, Maryland, each scored 15 points. Awoke added three assists and two steals, while Jones contributed an assist and two steals. Michael Cooper of Minneapolis provided a key spark off the bench with nine points and three assists. The Seahawks’ bench outscored New Haven’s reserves and their ball movement, though not prolific with only four total assists, was slightly more effective than the Chargers’ two.

The game’s tempo was dictated by defense, with both teams combining for only six assists and committing 13 turnovers. Wagner’s ability to generate just enough offense in the second half, where they scored 45 points after managing only 20 before halftime, was the difference. After falling behind early in the second period, the Seahawks used a 12-4 run midway through the half to seize control, a lead they would not fully relinquish despite New Haven’s persistent challenges.

The victory gives Wagner momentum heading into a quick turnaround against Chicago State on Saturday. New Haven, meanwhile, must regroup for a home matchup against Le Moyne, also on Saturday, as both teams look to improve their positioning ahead of the conference tournament.