ONEONTA, N.Y. – Hartwick hosted the Saint Elizabeth Eagles for a back-and-forth thriller on Saturday afternoon, with the Hawks ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought home-opening victory.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Saint Elizabeth 80 Hartwick 82

• Location: Oneonta, NY | Lambros Arena

• Records: Saint Elizabeth (1-4, 0-0 Atlantic East) Hartwick (3-3, 0-0 Empire 8) 

BY THE NUMBERS

• A complete team performance lifted the Hawks to victory today with four double digit scorers. Samaj Barnwell led the push with 18 points, a season high.

• The Hawks even up the all-time series with the Eagles, avenging their loss from the previous season.

• Xymier Thomas dominated the interior all day long, scoring 11 points to pair with a career high 15 rebounds, securing his first double-double of the year.

HOW IT HAPPENED 
The Hawks came soaring out of the gates, opening the night on a 13–2 run sparked by the trio of Samaj Barnwell (Stockbridge, Ga.), Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.), and Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.). Back-to-back buckets from Malachi Polson (Bay Shore, N.Y.) pushed 'Wick to its largest lead of the half at 12. Saint Elizabeth responded with a surge of its own, trimming the advantage to one before Nick D'Alessandro (Oxford, Fla.) buried a pair of timely threes to steady the Blue and White. The Eagles eventually grabbed their first lead with 59 seconds remaining, but Robby Lucas (Clarks Summit, Pa.) answered with his first triple of the night, sending Hartwick into the break back in front.

Saint Elizabeth knotted the score early in the second before the Hawks countered with a 14-point run to regain control. Thomas' interior presence and Barnwell's perimeter shooting continued to power the offense, while Mase Jarvis (Peekskill, N.Y.) delivered key minutes off the bench on both ends. Polson was sharp throughout, showcasing his crafty finishing and setting the tone for the Hawks. The Eagles, however, refused to fade, clawing back to make it a one-possession game with two minutes left. Hartwick rebuilt some cushion, but consecutive Saint Elizabeth threes tied the contest with 46 seconds remaining.

Polson stepped up once again, drilling a clutch three with 26 seconds left. After an Eagle basket cut the margin to one, Lucas headed to the line with 11 seconds to go, knocking down one of two. A jump ball gave Saint Elizabeth possession with five seconds left, and the Eagles drove for a clean look at the rim — but Cosmo Hardinson (Larchmont, N.Y.) rose up for a statement block at the buzzer, sealing a hard-fought Hartwick victory.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will prepare to host SUNY Morrisville on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6PM at Lambros Arena.

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.