BROCKPORT, N.Y. — The Hartwick Men's Basketball team tipped off against the Golden Eagles in a conference contest, falling to SUNY Brockport to close the weekend road trip.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 63 SUNY Brockport 81
Location: Brockport, NY | Jim and John Vlogianitis Gym
Records: Hartwick (7-13, 1-10 Empire 8) • SUNY Brockport (8-11, 4-6 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
With both teams battling for positioning in the upcoming Empire 8 Championship Tournament, the opening half featured a physical, back-and-forth contest.
First-year Kesean Leonard (Rochester, N.Y.) opened the scoring with a second-chance bucket off an offensive rebound from Robby Lucas (Clarks Summit, PA). Jackson Frame (Ballston Lake, N.Y.) followed with an energetic sequence of his own, grabbing multiple offensive boards before converting a putback. Leonard added another midrange jumper before Mase Jarvis (Peekskill, N.Y.) chipped in as the teams traded baskets early.
Samaj Barnwell (Stockbridge, GA) knocked down Hartwick's first three-pointer of the afternoon to swing the momentum, while Joey McLaurin (Mastic Beach, N.Y.) provided a spark off the bench with a perfect trip to the free-throw line, followed by an assist and another pair of made free throws to keep the score tight. Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.) and TJ Etienne (Boynton Beach, FL) helped maintain a small Hawks advantage at the stripe before Brockport answered with a brief run.
Shane Micallef (Warwick, N.Y.) buried a three-pointer to keep the Hawks within striking distance, while Leonard continued his strong half with back-to-back buckets. McLaurin capped the run with an and-one finish to give Hartwick its largest lead of the half at six points. Brockport responded in the final minute, trimming the deficit to one heading into the break.
The Golden Eagles carried that momentum into the second half, opening with a three-pointer before Leonard answered with a triple of his own. Lucas followed with another three on the next possession, but Brockport soon found its rhythm from both the perimeter and the free-throw line.
Interior baskets from Thomas and McLaurin briefly pulled Hartwick within three, but foul trouble and turnovers allowed Brockport to extend the lead. The Golden Eagles used efficient shooting down the stretch to pull away and secure the conference victory.
Leonard led the Hawks offensively with 11 points. McLaurin and Barnwell each added nine, while McLaurin and Lucas paced the team with three assists apiece. Keegan Paolillo (Clearwater, FL) led Hartwick on the glass with four rebounds and added two paint scores in the loss.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will return to Lambros Arena for their final homestand of the regular season, taking on the Keuka Wolves on Friday, February 6th 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.
