OWINGS MILLS, MD – The Hawks remained competitive throughout the Mustang Classic final, but a second-half surge by Stevenson lifted the host to the tournament crown on Saturday afternoon.
THE BASICS
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Final Score: Hartwick 63 Stevenson 80
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Location: Owing Mills, MD | Stevenson University
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Records: Hartwick (2-2, 0-0 Empire 8) Stevenson (4-0, 0-0 MAC Commonwealth)
BY THE NUMBERS
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Robby Lucas maintains his hot start to his rookie season, collecting a team high 15 points.
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Hartwick had a strong showing from their deep bench unit, outscoring Stevenson 25-15.
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Cosmo Hardinson continues to find his groove, scoring 10+ points in back to back contests, being named to the All-Tournament team.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks opened the championship game of the Mustang Classic by trading early baskets with host Stevenson through the first seven minutes. Both defenses settled in shortly after, creating a scoring lull before the Mustangs gradually established a lead. Hartwick stayed within striking distance through several lead changes, fueled by the efforts of Samaj Barnwell (Stockbridge, Ga.) and Cosmo Hardinson (Larchmont, N.Y.). Reigning Empire 8 Co-Rookie of the Week Robby Lucas (Clarks Summit, Pa.) began to find his rhythm late in the first half, trimming the deficit alongside fellow first-year Mase Jarvis (Peekskill, N.Y.), who drilled a three-pointer to bring the Hawks within six heading into the break.
Jarvis and Lucas picked up where they left off, connecting for a three-pointer to open the second half. Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.) and TJ Etienne (Boynton Beach, Fla.) added interior scoring, but the Mustang offense continued to respond and maintain its advantage. Foul trouble on the Hartwick side allowed Stevenson to push the margin to double digits just past the midway point of the half.
Malachi Polson (Bay Shore, N.Y.) delivered a strong second half with ten points as the Hawks continued to battle, but Stevenson's position in the double bonus with ten minutes remaining proved costly. Despite Hartwick's efforts to chip away, the repeated trips to the line for the Mustangs kept the deficit intact, and the Hawks ultimately ran out of time, falling in the championship game of the Mustang Classic.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will head to Marywood University, taking on the Pacers on Wednesday, November 19th at 6PM.
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.
