ELMIRA, N.Y. — The Hartwick Men's Basketball team scrapped all night in Elmira, trimming the gap multiple times, but the Soaring Eagles held on in conference play on Friday night.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 66 Elmira 80
Location: Elmira, NY | Campus Center Gym
Records: Hartwick (6-5, 0-2 Empire 8) • Elmira (6-5, 1-1 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks traveled to Elmira on Friday night following a grueling conference matchup against league runner-up SUNY Poly earlier in the week. After splitting the season series a year ago, Hartwick looked to regain momentum and secure its first conference victory.
Elmira set the tempo early, jumping out to an eight-point lead. Hartwick responded by establishing a presence in the paint, with Malachi Polson (Bay Shore, N.Y.) and TJ Etienne (Boynton Beach, Fla.) leading the charge to chip away at the deficit. Joey McLaurin (Mastic Beach, N.Y.) provided an immediate spark off the bench, knocking down a three-pointer and following with a running floater to pull the Hawks within three.
The Blue and White then went cold, allowing the Soaring Eagles to stretch the lead before Cosmo Hardinson (Larchmont, N.Y.) halted the run with a strong drive to the basket. Kesean Leonard (Rochester, N.Y.) found success from the midrange, while Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.) buried a fastbreak triple to close the half, sending Hartwick into the break trailing by seven.
Elmira opened the second half with a flurry, connecting on three triples to reestablish control. Hartwick settled offensively behind Polson and Leonard, but the Soaring Eagles continued to answer at the other end. Despite a strong effort to the final whistle, inconsistent offense proved difficult to overcome as Elmira maintained its momentum down the stretch.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will head to Keuka College for a 4pm matchup with the Wolves on Saturday, January 10th.
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.
