HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's basketball team opened up a close first half to a 19-point victory when they rolled in the second period to a 101-82 win against Pitt.-Greensburg this afternoon.

With the win, the Hawks (19-4) continue to battle to the end of the regular season schedule in hopes of earning a #1 seed and the right to host the AMCC play-offs.  Hilbert (13-3) created space between themselves and Greensburg (11-5) and are currently in sole possession of second place in the 10-team league.

Seniors Sean Weisansal and Jerame Owens posted a pair of deuces for the Hawks.  Weisansal knocked down 7-for-12 from the floor, hitting 50% from beyond the arc, while sinking 8-of-10 free throws to notch a team-high 24 points.  The 6-3 guard also was credited with seven assists and five steals (one block). 

Owens reach for 22 points (8-12) and was a perfect 6-6 at the charity stripe while pulling down 12 rebounds.  With his first bucket just 15-seconds into the contest, he became the program's All Time FG leader with 631 career scores. 

Sophomore Jalen Smith airmailed his scoring average with 16 points today and a pair of steals.   

Seniors Ryan Bradt and Xavier Major fill their roles beautifully on the team.  Major gives the Hawks defense and shut-down driving lanes in the paint, while scoring eight points and swiping one steal.  Bradt comes in off the bench and knocks his way to double-digit points and offensive rebounds.  He sank 5-of-8 shots and pulled in three rebounds (two offensive) along with a pair of assists.

It took just four minutes into the first half for Hilbert to start their roll.  They went from a 9-8 deficit to a 13-9 lead thanks to a traditional three-point play by Smith and a break-away lay-up by Weisansal.  Three times during the middle portion of the 1st half, Greensburg cut the score to a one-point score, but Hilbert closed the first half with a Smith (5 points ) and Owens (2-points) run to build a ten-point difference by the break.

Major knocked down back-to-back free throws to extend the ten to 12 point lead but Greensburg hit a jump shot to bring the score back to 43-33.

Kirkland Ottey struck from downtown at 17:57 and that was it.  The unleashing of points began and at 11:50 the Hawks held a 73-53 advantage.

Malique McCoy entered the game in the second half and lifted the Hawks with seven points converting 3 of 4 from the floor.

Both teams finished the game shooting over 50% from the floor, as the Hawks reached for 56.9% and Greensburg posted 53.4%.  The Hawks aggressive defense forced Greensburg into 20 turnovers but the hosts finished on the low side of the boards (33-26) as Greensburg ripped the glass for 10 offensive rebounds. 

The Hawks are hunting for the Lions of Penn State Behrend (14-2) on Wednesday, February 17 in a 6pm tip.  Hilbert must win-out the final pair of games (Penn State Altoona, Sat Feb 20) in order to host the championship weekend.

Stay connected to all the AMCC action by following the league's website.