UTICA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Men's Basketball got back on the road for the first time after a five game home-stand, battling Utica to the end but eventually fell to the Pioneers in overtime.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 83 Utica 86

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y.

• Records: Hartwick (2-14, 2-5 Empire 8) Utica (10-6, 4-3 Empire 8)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The Hawks prepared for the first road game since January 7th, tipping off against the defending Empire 8 Champions, the Utica Pioneers.

• Utica opened the contest with a three pointer before Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.) connected on the answer-back three, with Isaiah Thomas (Manitou Springs, CO) picking up the assist.

• Henry Perkins (Albany, N.Y.) made his presence felt early in the contest and made sure to carry that tone throughout the contest, picking up his first three points via a free throw and a driving layup.

• Malachi Polson (Bay Shore, N.Y.) turned defense into offense, picking a Pioneer's pocket and taking it to the rack for the fast break score to pull within three.

• The Hawks continued to scratch and claw throughout the contest, earning trips to the free throw line as Perkins converted both of his attempts to cut the deficit to six with 11 minutes remaining.

• Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.) connected on his first shot from downtown at the midway mark of the first half as Hartwick worked on cutting away at the Pioneers.

• Gitz drained his second three to pull within four, Perkins and I. Thomas chimed in with buckets.

• I. Thomas did his best to keep up with the Utica offense, connecting for ten straight points, sinking two deep three pointers to keep the deficit at four.

• Coach Cooper's squad displayed great composure and execution at the charity stripe down the final stretch of the first half as Gitz, I. Thomas and Joey McLaurin (Mastic Beach, NY) drained their free throw attempts, trailing by one at the end of the first.

• The physical affair was poised for an action-packed second half as Xymier Thomas connected on the driving layup to begin the seesaw affair,

• The two teams traded the lead back and forth for the first eight minutes before Utica was able to create some breathing room with a seven point cushion.

• Hartwick's comeback was stalled twice before they were able to execute on both ends, coming up with huge buckets in crucial moments.

• The Hawks headed into the final minute of regulation, down by two, Brian Bonin (Cicero, N.Y.) found a cutting Perkins with a wonderful pass as Henry was able to finish through contact. Perkins connected on the three point play to tie the game at 73 a piece.

• Utica would have the final possession of the quarter, looking to work down the clock before the final shot, but an errant pass forced by Isaiah Thomas gave the Hawks a chance with seven seconds left, but were unable to get down court and create a shot before the end of regulation.

• The Pioneers opened the scoring in the extra period but Xymier Thomas answered back with a score on the first two possesions.

• Perkins continued to boast his fancy footwork, spinning off his defender and freeing himself up for a crucial bucket.

• Xymier Thomas continued to have his way in overtime, connecting on his third bucket.

• The two man game continued to work as Perkins corralled his own miss and tipped it in over two defenders with 21 seconds left to tie the contest.

• Utica connected on a final second three point attempt as the Hawks battled hard but fell just short.

• Four Hawks posted double figures in scoring as Perkins led the charge with 22 points, Bonin led the rebounding category with 11 boards.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will return to Lambros Arena tomorrow for a Saturday afternoon matchup with the Wildcats of SUNY Poly at 4 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.