HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's basketball team will return to the championship game of their 6th annual Tip-Off Tournament after their 98-67 opening round victory over Chatham University tonight. Earlier in the evening, RPI doubled Utica College in an 81-48 final to earn the right to play in the 3pm game tomorrow against Hilbert.
Jalen Smith had the hot hand for the Hawks as he was a perfect from beyond the arc. The southpaw netted 15 points and added four assists in the win.
Ryan Bradt was very effective in the paint for the hosts, sinking 7 of 9 shots in the lane and 5 of 7 at the foul line. The senior forward scored 19 points and added eight rebounds along with three assists and one block.
Sean Weisansal led all scorers with 23 points most of which were gathered by quick and deliberate drives to the hole. The senior guard moved the ball to open players tallying four assists and two steals.
Jerame Owens' grabbed nine rebounds to lead all players off the glass.
Chatham, a first-year Division III men's basketball program, played hard and with purpose from the tip to the final horn. Three players posted double-digit points led by Anthony Bomar's 14.
Hilbert finished the game shooting 56.9% from the floor and 47.1% from long distance. The Cougars, trailing 41-25 at half time, lifted themselves with 42 second-half points behind 50% FG shooting.
After a slow start for Hilbert in the first 20 minutes of action, the Hawks returned to the floor and found their shooting touch the second period. Smith scored all five 3-point shots in the final stanza as he and his teammates sank 19 of 26 shots (73.1%).
Hilbert and Chatham were neck and neck most of the first half and it took the Hawks almost 17 minutes to build a 10-point lead. Hilbert closed the first half with a 17-2 run but didn't seem in control of their emotions on the floor.
After intermission, the Cougars and the Hawks hung around again trading baskets for the next nine minutes before Hilbert went on a mini 7-0 run to grab their first 20-point lead. Two freshmen,
Nicholas Parucki and
Joseph Braniecki stretched the score to 96-67 before
Malique McCoy closed the night with a lay-up at the buzzer.
RPI and Utica worked through opening minute jitters before RPI took off with the long-ball. With the score tied 9-9 at 13:33, the Engineers combined five 3-pointer with a sprinkle of free throws and lay-ups to build a 30-11 lead in the blink of an eye. They took a 35-17 advantage to the locker room and stretched it to 30 points (53-22) by 14:42.
RPI had eight guys dot the scoring column led by Andreas Kontopidis' 24. He connected on 9 of 12 shots, and 4 of 5 beyond the arc in 18 minutes of action. Chase Almond had a complete game collecting 11 points, 13 rebounds (7 offensive) and four assists for RPI.
Seamus McHugh came off the bench to lead Utica's offensive punch with 12 points hitting 50% of his shots.
The Tip-Off Tournament consolation game will be held at 1pm tomorrow featuring Utica (0-3) against Chatham (0-2). Hilbert (3-0) will host RPI (2-0) in the championship game at 3pm. The championship trophy will be awarded to the winning team and a five man All Tournament will be announced shortly after the final horn.
