ELMIRA, NY – A 14-2 run to start the second half turned a six-point lead at halftime into a huge 18-point cushion for Hartwick's men's basketball team in a 71-55 victory at Elmira College Friday night. The win ups the Hawks' overall season mark to 9-6 and pulls them into a three-way tie for third place in Empire 8 Conference at 4-2. Junior Chris Ryder (Port Washington, NY/Port Washington) notched a career-high 29 points in the game.

The Hawks led for the final 16:40 of the first half but only had a 37-31 lead at the break. Ryder made eight of his 12 shots in the opening half to finish with 20 points.

After both teams traded baskets to start the second half, Jared Suderley (Newport, NY/West Canada Valley) hit a three-pointer to start a string of 11 straight points for a 51-33 Hartwick lead with just over 14 minutes remaining. 

A 14-3 Elmira spurt over the next five minutes made it a seven-point game, 53-46, but seven points in a row by the Hawks would increase the gap to 14 with five minutes remaining and the victors never led by less than double digits the rest of the night.

Ryder ended the contest hitting 12-of-29 from the field to go along with eight rebounds and three steals. Suderley notched a double-double with 19 points and a game-high 11 boards. Junior guards Andres Carpio (Beacon, NY/Lock Haven Univ.) and Mark Blazek (Erie, PA/Erie Cathedral Prep) contributed eight points apiece and combined for seven assists.

For the game, the Hawks shot 44% and dominated on the glass by a margin of 40-29. HC held Elmira to 36% shooting in the contest. 

The Soaring Eagles (1-15, 0-8 E8) were led by Josh Keys' 17 points. He was the only player in double figures. Bobby DiPiazza registered a team-best nine rebounds.

Hartwick plays at nationally-ranked No. 22 Ithaca (13-3, 7-1 E8) tomorrow afternoon. The Bombers, who hold a 13-3 overall record, lead the Empire 8 with a 7-1 mark.