ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Hartwick Hawks raced out to an 18-point halftime lead and never looked back, defeating the Houghton Highlanders on Friday night, 97-76. 
 
The Highlanders struggled to find an offensive rhythm over the first 20 minutes, knocking down only 8-of-31 (26 percent) of their shots from the field, allowing the Hawks to peel off several large runs.
 
Houghton found their footing in the second half, playing Hartwick to within three points over that stretch, while hitting 19-of-40 (48 percent) from the floor, but the early first half hole proved too much. 
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 76 | Hartwick – 97
Records: Houghton: 2-11 (1-5 Empire 8) | Hartwick: 4-7 (3-3 Empire 8)
Venue: Lambros Arena, Hartwick College | Attendance: 147

NOTABLE STATS
>> In link with the Highlanders early shooting woes, Hartwick won the battle of the boards, 47-33.
 
>> Luke Cole scored 15 points for the Highlanders, his third highest total and the eighth time this season he has reached double-digits.
 
>> David Rosa and Reece Gustafson chipped in 14 and 12 points apiece, respectively, for the Highlanders, while Koen Rolleman scored nine points and grabbed six boards in 11 minutes of play.
 
>> Bobby Connors led the Hawks with 18 points and 13 rebounds, as six Hartwick players reached double-digit point totals.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Hartwick took a really tough loss on Tuesday and came back really hungry tonight. We did not match their intensity on loose balls, boards, or attacking the lane. At some point we need to play hungry. The results aren't going to magically change." - Head Coach Jeremy Bialek

UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Albany tomorrow to challenge the Russell Sage Colleges Gators at 4:00 p.m.