ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Hartwick Hawks closed out the first half on a 12-3 run that proved to be the difference in the game as they defeated the Houghton Highlanders on Friday night, 92-81.
 
With 3:41 to play in the opening half, Scottie Berghaus nailed a three that pulled the Highlanders within one point, but the Hawks capitalized on the aforementioned run to head into the half up by ten.
 
Carl Holmes picked up his second double-double of the season, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, as Houghton played the Hawks to within a point in the second half, 47-46.  The first half deficit, however, would be too much to overcome.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 81 | Hartwick – 92
Records: Houghton: 3-21 (0-15 Empire 8) | Hartwick: 9-15 (6-9 Empire 8)
Venue: Lambros Arena, Hartwick College | Attendance: 225
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton sank 10-of-28 (35.7%) from long range, but Hartwick made 16-of-37 (43.2%) shots from the same distance.
 
>> The Highlanders won the battle of the boards, 44-36, including on the offensive glass, 12-10.  Hartwick, however, committed only 10 turnovers, while Houghton gave the ball away 16 times.

>> Dylan Lambert posted 18 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Highlanders.
 
>> Houghton freshman Jordan Holmes scored 13 points while Isander Ramos-Net put up a career-high 11 points.
 
>> Kevin Towns paced the Hawks with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. 
 
COACH'S CORNER
"[Give] credit to Hartwick for shooting the ball so well.  We didn't match up well in transition in the first half and they took advantage of that.
 
"We had some great looks in the first half that just didn't go down.  We knew they would struggle to guard us when we executed.  We scratched and clawed and had some chances, but just couldn't find the bucket.
 
"Carl [Holmes] was a floor general for us with a double-double.  We're going to miss his presence on the floor.
 
"[We have] one more [game] for our seniors tomorrow at Elmira.  [I'm ] excited to share the court with them one more time." –Coach Corky McMullen
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will play their final game of the regular season tomorrow afternoon at Elmira College, where they will take on the Soaring Eagles at 3:00 p.m.