ONEONTA, NY – Hartwick junior Joey Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle Central) dropped in 21 first-half points in a career-high 31-point effort on Tuesday night in a 98-85 win over visiting Houghton College (5-4, 0-1) at Lambros Arena. The game marked the first in conference play for both teams. 'Wick improves to 6-4 on the season with the triumph.
           
Lufkin made 7-of-11 of his shots, including both three-point attempts as he helped 'Wick to a 21-point advantage in the opening half. He would finish the night on 10-for-18 shooting, with three three-pointers and eight free throws to go along with four assists and three boards.
           
Trevor Norton (Mullica Hill, NJ/Ursinus College) dropped in 22 points for the Hawks. He made 5-of-7 shots from three-point range.
           
Matt Wilson (Shelton, CT/Franklin & Marshall College) contributed a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Jake Sinicki (Endicott, NY/Maine Endwell) contributed 12 points, nine boards, five blocks, and three steals.
           
The Hawks made 52.1% (37-for-71) of their shots from the floor as a team. They also knocked down 50% (12-of-24) of their three-pointers. 'Wick held a 48-46 on the glass.
           
Justin Pratt (North Kingstown, RI/North Kingstown) would contribute nine points on a trio of threes for the Hawks. Brandon LaForest (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes) tied a season- and career-high with nine assists.
           
The 'Wick defense limited the Highlanders to 38% shooting in the contest. Jonathan Stowe led Houghton with 20 points. He added eight rebounds. Phil Pellegrino scored 18 points and Brandon Camacho and Jordan Scott each tallied 11 points.
           
Hartwick remains home for its next Empire 8 game on Saturday, January 9. The Hawks welcome Stevens Institute of Technology for a 2 p.m. contest.