ITHACA, NY - Sophomore Mark Blazek (Erie, PA/Erie Cathedral) scored 21 points but it wasn't enough as Ithaca defeated Hartwick men's basketball 96-81 on Friday night at Ben Light Gymnasium. The Bombers led by as many as 26 points in the first half en route to the win. IC ups its overall mark to 4-2 while the Hawks fall to 3-3.

Blazek, who had just one point in the first half, netted 20 in the second including 13 straight 'Wick points in a late span. Kyle Phillips (Ashland, MA/Ashland) added 15 points and Chris Ryder (Port Washington, NY/Port Washington) shot 7-of-10 from the field for 14 points.

Five players were in double figures for the Bombers. Chris Cruz-Rivas and Sean Rossi combined for 42 points and eight three-pointers. Cruz-Rivas scored 25 points and Rossi netted 17. Phil Barera and Jordan Marcus each scored 16 points and Tom Brown contributed 12.

The Bombers took command of the game with a 26-6 second-half run to break open a 5-point game (21-16) with 10 minutes left in the first half. In the second half, the Hawks cut the lead to eight (61-53) with 12 minutes remaining, but IC quickly built its lead back up to double digits and held off the Hawks for the win.

IC shot 52% in the contest with the Hawks shooting 49%. IC won the battle of the boards with a 40-26 edge in rebounds.

Hartwick is back in action tomorrow at 2 p.m. against Elmira.