HAMBURG, N.Y. – After a shooting slump hit the Hawks hard in the first half, the Hilbert College men's basketball team recovered and stormed to a 74-64 season opening victory tonight in the Hafner Recreation Center.
Five different Hawks posted double-digit scoring by the final horn, but a slew of defenders padded eight second-half blocks for Hilbert who outscored the Soaring Eagles 50-35 in the final period.
Hilbert scored 28 points from the charity stripe hitting 80% of their shots while Elmira made only eight attempts. The taller Hawks held a slight edge on the boards, earning 41 to Elmira's 38, but it was the impressive second half effort protecting the rim that got the Hawks back in the game.
Nicholas Parucki led with three blocks,
Kirkland Ottey added a pair in succession and
Derrek Carman and
Joseph Braniecki were each credited with one.
Hilbert trailed by five points by half time after hitting only seven buckets from inside the arc. They stayed in the game by hitting ten of their dozen free throw attempts.
Things didn't start well for Hilbert at the start of the second half. A pair of missed shots and an offensive foul didn't slow their concentration though as they dug in on the defensive end. The Hawks took away the rim with three consecutive blocks that were converted into fast break scores propelling the momentum into Hilbert's favor.
David Arlaud led the hosts with 13 points, hitting 7 of 9 from the foul line.
Jalen Smith struggled from the floor but was perfect at the line, hitting all eight attempts to finish with 12 points and three assists.
Forwards
Derrek Carman (8 rebounds) and
Joseph Braniecki each padded 11 points into the stat sheet while freshman guard
Hunter Martineau came up with three clutch offensive board (5) and sank 5 of 7 from the charity stripe down the stretch.
Hilbert (1-0) returns to action this weekend when they host their 7th annual Tip-Off Tournament November 18 and 19. The Hawks welcome Fredonia and Mount Union for a 6pm contest and will host Cazenovia in the 8pm frame.
The men's basketball program partners up with the Buffalo City Mission an invites their fans to make a $1.98 donation at the door which will all go directly to the downtown facility.
