ONEONTA, N.Y. — Hartwick returned from break looking to keep their momentum rolling after a pair of complete team victories on their home floor, and the Hawks delivered once again, outlasting Bard in a back-and-forth battle to keep the win streak alive.

THE BASICS

Final Score: Bard 83 Hartwick 86
Location: Oneonta, NY | Lambros Arena
Records: Bard College (1-9, 0-3 Liberty League) • Hartwick (5-3, 0-0 Empire 8)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Robby Lucas was everywhere, securing his first career double-double on a career night posting 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, all new personal bests.

• The Hawks protected home court once again, completing the three-game homestand unbeaten.

• Hartwick showcased elite three-level scoring, tying a season-high with 29 made field goals as the offense continues to trend upward.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Hartwick came out firing, trading buckets with the Raptors before Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.) picked up right where he left off after his career-high 29-point outburst. Gitz splashed three straight triples to push the Hawks ahead by five, setting the tone from deep. TJ Etienne (Boynton Beach, Fla.) added to the early surge with a highlight-reel-and-1 dunk in transition, electrifying the gym and stretching the lead.

Robby Lucas (Clarks Summit, Pa.) directed traffic throughout the half, finding Malachi Polson (Bay Shore, N.Y.) for a corner three to make it a double-digit advantage at the midway point. Bard responded behind hot shooting and Hartwick foul trouble, trimming the deficit to two late in the half. Mase Jarvis (Peekskill, N.Y.) halted the run with a timely triple, and Lucas caught fire with three makes from beyond the arc. Gitz closed the half like he opened it, drilling another three and dropping in a floater to send Hartwick into the break up five.

Bard flipped the script early in the second, taking their first lead of the contest after a cold spell from the Hawks. The teams traded blows until Shane MiCallef (Warwick, N.Y.) buried a momentum-changing three to put Hartwick back in front with 10 minutes remaining. Lucas continued to deliver in the clutch, pairing his scoring with big buckets from first-years Etienne and Kesean Leonard (Rochester, N.Y.), while Jackson Frame (Ballston Lake, N.Y.) gave the Hawks a crucial spark off the bench.

The Raptors made one last push, closing to within three in the final minute, but Lucas iced it at the line as Hartwick shut the door to secure the win and stay hot to open the second half of the season.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will head to Fredonia for their final non-conference matchup, taking on the Blue Devils on Saturday, January 3rd at 4PM.

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.