ONEONTA, N.Y. — Hartwick hosted Russell Sage in a Empire 8 conference battle, falling to the conference leading Gators in a thrilling back and forth bout on Tuesday night at Lambros Arena.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Russell Sage 103 Hartwick 96
Location: Oneonta, NY | Lambros Arena
Records: Russell Sage (16-2, 8-1 Empire 8) • Hartwick (7-11, 1-8 Empire 8)

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks tipped off against conference-leading Russell Sage in a high-powered offensive shootout, but Hartwick was ultimately outpaced by the surging Gators, who entered the contest riding a seven-game winning streak.

Hartwick stumbled out of the gate, surrendering a 16–3 run to open the game before settling in offensively. Shane Micallef (Warwick, N.Y.) knocked down two three-pointers and TJ Etienne (Boynton Beach, FL) threw down a fastbreak dunk off a feed from Samaj Barnwell (Stockbridge, GA) to spark the response. Despite Russell Sage maintaining offensive momentum, the Blue and White stayed within striking distance behind hot perimeter shooting. Kesean Leonard (Rochester, N.Y.) caught fire, scoring at all three levels and drilling back-to-back triples. Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.) added consecutive threes of his own as Hartwick trimmed the deficit to four. After the Gators created separation again, Leonard capped his strong first half with another triple to pull the Hawks within one possession. Hartwick shot an impressive 64 percent from the floor in the opening half, but Russell Sage continued to answer offensively, taking a three-point lead into the break after two free throws from Robby Lucas (Clarks Summit, PA).

The Blue and White opened the second half with a signature Gitz three-pointer to tie the game at 54, but the Gators responded with a quick 10-point run. Gitz halted the surge with another triple before Lucas went to work with back-to-back scores and Micallef added consecutive baskets to keep Hartwick within single digits. Russell Sage regained momentum, but the Hawks continued to chip away as contributions from across the lineup fueled a comeback. Gitz buried another clutch three to tie the game at 84, and after the teams traded interior baskets, the Gators built a three-point cushion before Gitz struck again with another game-tying triple.

The back-and-forth battle continued down the stretch. Etienne converted two free throws to even the score before a Sage three put the visitors back in front. Etienne answered by attacking the rim and knocking down two more at the line to pull Hartwick within one. Following a defensive stop, Lucas drove to the basket, drew contact, and converted both free throws to give the Hawks a one-point lead with under three minutes remaining. Russell Sage responded to tie the game before reclaiming the lead with 2:18 left. Hartwick was unable to convert on its next possession, allowing the Gators to close out the contest at the free throw line.

Robby Lucas led the Blue and White with 22 points while adding five rebounds and a career-high eight assists. Mike Gitz poured in 18 points on 60 percent shooting from downtown, while Kesean Leonard posted a career-high 17 points. Micallef added a career-best 13 points and Etienne rounded out the double-figure scorers with 11.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will get back on the road for the first time since January 10th, taking on the Geneseo Knights on Friday, January 30th 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.