MARCY, N.Y. — Hartwick erased an early deficit and led for much of the night behind strong paint play and timely shooting, but a late Wildcat push and key turnovers swung a tight contest in the final minutes.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 67 SUNY Poly 72
Location: Marcy, NY | Campus Center Gym
Records: Hartwick (6-4, 0-1 Empire 8) • SUNY Poly (8-1, 1-0 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks opened Empire 8 play facing a tall task against the Poly Wildcats, as both teams entered the conference opener riding four-game winning streaks and looking to make an early statement in the loaded league.
Host Poly grabbed early momentum, but Hartwick answered behind TJ Etienne (Boynton Beach, FL.), who carved his way into the paint for back-to-back buckets. Xymier Thomas (Binghamton, N.Y.) followed with two strong finishes inside, including an old-fashioned three-point play to tie the game at 11. The Hawks continued to impose their will in the paint and kept the contest within a possession before Keegan Paolillo (Clearwater, FL) sparked a run, pouring in eight points to push Hartwick in front. Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.) and Samaj Barnwell (Stockbridge, GA) each knocked down a pair of triples, and Gitz capped the half at the line as the Hawks took a 12-point lead into the break over the league runners-up.
Barnwell carried his momentum into the second half, burying a triple to open the frame and continuing to shoulder the offensive load throughout. Timely buckets from Robby Lucas (Abington Heights, PA) down the stretch helped keep the Blue and White in front, but the Wildcats stayed within striking distance, consistently chipping away at the deficit. Turnover trouble began to slow the Hawks' offense, allowing Poly to creep within two possessions.
Barnwell and Lucas held the Wildcats off as long as possible before the game was knotted at 65 with three minutes remaining. Poly regained the edge at the free-throw line with two minutes to play, and a missed opportunity by the Hawks led to another Wildcat basket. Etienne responded to bring it back to a one-possession game, and Hartwick had two looks in the final minute to force overtime or take the lead, but neither would fall as the Hawks dropped a hard-fought conference opener.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will tip off against Elmira College on Friday, January 9th at 7:30 PM in Elmira, New York.
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.
