LANCASTER, PA – Hartwick led for virtually the entire second half but a Delaware Valley layup with 35 seconds to go put the Aggies up for good in a 75-72 Hawks' loss in the opening round of the Franklin & Marshall Sponaugle New Year's Tournament at Mayser Gymnasium on Friday evening.
           
Hartwick falls to 3-5 on the season. Delaware Valley improves to 2-8.
           
The Hawks led by five points, 68-63, following a Corey Baker (Granby, MA/Granby) three-pointer with 4:46 remaining in the game. After the Aggies gained a 69-68 advantage, another Baker trey made it a 71-69 contest with 1:11 to go. Thirty-six seconds later, Lybryant Robinson's old-fashioned three-point play would put the Aggies up to stay.
           
Justin Carruthers (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) made 1-of-2 free throws with 16 ticks left but Andre Butler sank a pair from the line for the three-point lead. Baker's three-point attempt at the horn was off the mark.
           
Kevin Townes (Lagrangeville, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) netted a game-high 18 points to lead the Hawks. He made 6-of-10 from the floor with five rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Baker hit 5-of-9 from beyond the three-point arc for 15 points. Tommy Kelly (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna) contributed eight points for the Hawks.
           
Robinson paced the Aggies with 15 points. Alex Matsinye scored 14. Austin Chabot added 10 points.
           
Hartwick plays tomorrow at 2 p.m. against either Frnaklin & Marshall or Randolph College.