ONEONTA, N.Y. — Hartwick went toe-to-toe with Houghton in a back-and-forth Empire 8 battle, but late free throws in the final seconds allowed the Highlanders to escape with a narrow win on Saturday afternoon.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Houghton 75 Hartwick 73
Location: Oneonta, NY | Lambros Arena
Records: Houghton (4-12, 1-5 Empire 8) • Hartwick (7-8, 1-5 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hartwick Hawks returned to the hardwood fresh off a thrilling two-point win over Alfred, carrying momentum into their Empire 8 matchup against the Houghton Highlanders as they looked to secure another conference victory.
Senior Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.) opened the scoring with a strong finish inside off an assist from Robby Lucas (Clarks Summit, PA). Lucas followed with a bucket of his own before Thomas returned the favor, finding Lucas for his first three of the afternoon. Lucas stayed hot, knocking down another triple to cap a 10–2 run and force a Houghton timeout. After the Highlanders answered with a pair of three-pointers, Samaj Barnwell (Stockbridge, Ga.) provided an immediate spark, drilling a three and adding a pull-up jumper to steady the Hawks.
The Hartwick second unit continued the momentum, as Keegan Paolillo (Clearwater, FL) attacked the paint and Malachi Polson (Bay Shore, N.Y.) went to work from the midrange. Lucas closed the half in style, burying back-to-back three-pointers to send the Hawks into the break with a four-point advantage.
Houghton opened the second half with a surge, jumping in front before TJ Etienne (Boynton Beach, FL) briefly pushed Hartwick back ahead. Polson responded with a clutch three to tie the game, setting up a back-and-forth battle that saw nine lead changes. Each team built slim four-point advantages before Lucas tied the game at 67 with a triple with just over three minutes remaining.
The Highlanders answered with two free throws and a steal-and-score to take a two-possession lead, but Cosmo Hardinson (Larchmont, N.Y.) finished through contact to pull Hartwick within two. Thomas continued to make an impact on both ends, recording a career high seven assists. Etienne later tied the game at the line with 1:41 left.
Lucas once again delivered in the clutch, scoring the go-ahead bucket with 58 seconds remaining, but Houghton responded with a jumper to even the score. A late foul sent the Highlanders to the free-throw line with four seconds left, where they converted both attempts to narrowly escape with the win.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will host the St. John Fisher Cardinals for a conference matchup on Friday, January 23rd at 7:30 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.
