HOUGHTON, N.Y. - The Hartwick Men's Basketball team got back on the road, dropping a tight conference battle to the Highlanders of Houghton University.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 80 Houghton 85

• Location: Houghton, N.Y.

• Records: Hartwick (3-16, 3-7 Empire 8) Houghton (11-8, 6-4 Empire 8)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Hartwick opened the contest with high energy, knocking down three jumpers from behind the arc, two coming from the hands of Isaiah Thomas (Manitou Springs, CO) to catch the Highlanders off guard.

• The Hawks converted on their first seven attempts from the field, springing out to a 17-11 lead in the first seven minutes.

• Houghton began to inch their way back into the game but a big three pointer from Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.) created some temporary breathing room.

• Excellent interior work from Xymier Thomas and great three point shooting led by Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.) kept the Hawks in front throughout the first half.

• A seven point surge from the Highlanders swung Houghton in front but back to back threes from Gitz under the three minute mark allowed the Hawks to carry a four point lead into half.

• Gitz and Xymier Thomas led the way on offense in the first half with double figures, posting 14 and 12 points respectively.

• The physical second half brought several trips to the charity stripe for both teams, allowing Houghton to slowly work their way back in through the Hawks' foul trouble.

• Houghton was able to claim the lead but the Royal Blue and White did their best to keep up over the first half of the final 20 minutes, powered by Xymier Thomas on the offensive end.

• With the Highlanders out in front for several minutes, Hartwick willed their way back into the game with just under ten minutes left and continued to knot the game up until the six minute mark.

• The Hawks held a slim one point cushion but Houghton continued to shoot well from the field in the second half, connecting for 55%, retaking the lead with five minutes remaining.

• Joey McLaurin (Mastic Beach, N.Y.) brought the squad to as close as one point with three minutes and 45 seconds remaining but Houghton would just be able to squeeze by the Hawks, holding onto to their lead by converting their free throws until the final whistle.

• Xymier Thomas posted his best offensive performance in a Hawk uniform yet, pouring in 20 points on 66% shooting from the field to lead all scorers.

  
  UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

  The Hawks will head back on the road for an Empire 8 tip-off against the Alfred Saxons, set for Saturday, February 1st at 4:00 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.