ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Men's Basketball team wrapped up their five game conference homestand, falling to the Cardinals.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: St. John Fisher 89 Hartwick 73 

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y.

• Records: St. John Fisher (5-10, 1-5 Empire 8) Hartwick (2-13, 2-4 Empire 8) 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Hartwick prepared for a tip off against the Cardinals as St. John Fisher got on the board first but it was quickly erased by a Malachi Polson (Bay Shore, N.Y.) three pointer, assisted by Brian Bonin (Cicero, N.Y.).

• Isaiah Thomas (Manitou Springs, CO) got rolling on the offensive end, scoring five straight, coming off a pull-up three pointer and a driving layup.

• Bonin connected on a three pointer on the ensuing possession put the Hawks up three as the first five minutes of the contest were tightly contested.

• The Cardinals attempted to pull away several times, but the Hawks continued to light it up from beyond the arc to stay in it as Thomas and Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.) connected on timely possessions.

• The Hawks switched up the offensive game plan, hammering it down low, cutting at the deficit before kicking it back out to the perimeter game with Polson sinking the three to pull back within one.

• St. John Fisher continued to execute on offense throughout the first, Joey McLaurin (Mastic Beach, N.Y.) connected on the floater with contact, sinking his free throw for the three point play as the Hawks entered the second half, trailing by 11.

• Bonin orchestrated the offense with high success, finding Henry Perkins (Albany, N.Y.) in the post for two straight buckets to open the second half.

• Polson continued to drain the three ball at a high rate, connecting on his third three pointer in four attempts to cut the deficit to four.

• A Cardinal run powered by strong interior play increased their lead back to double digits as the Hawks could not overcome the run.

• Three Hawks finished in double figures as Thomas led with 13, Polson connected for 11 and Cosmo Hardinson (Larchmont, N.Y.) poured in ten.

• Bonin had a well-rounded game, collecting seven points, seven assists, and five rebounds.

• Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.) made a great impact in his limited time on the court, connecting for nine points including a three pointer, shooting 100% from the field.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will hit the road for an Empire 8 matchup with the Utica University on Pioneers on Friday, January 24th at 7:30 PM. 

About Hartwick College:

Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.