MIAMI, FL – Hartwick pushed its advantage to as much as 21 in the second half of its final game of the sixth annual 2016 HoopMIA Holiday Shootout to defeat LaGrange College, 90-77, on Monday evening.
The Hawks (7-2) held a two-point edge at the half (36-34) after countering their largest deficit of the game, trailing 10 at 5:18. Upping the game's tempo, 'Wick flipped the script issuing a 11-0 surge in the next three minutes creating three Panther turnovers capped off by a steal and bucket in the open court by Brandon LaForest (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes HS).
Hartwick continued to create separation in the final 20 and never surrendered the advantage. The Hawks ignited for their largest lead of the game, ahead 21 with just under eight minutes to go in regulation. That feat would be matched again at 6:49 and nearly replicated again, 90-70, with just 1:29 left in the contest for the convincing win.
LaForest championed opportunities for the Hawks on both ends of the floor, erupting for 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting (46.6-percent) and dishing five assists. Having earned at least one steal in all but one contest this season, LaForest matched his season-high earning four of the team's eight, which sits second on the year.
Justin Carruthers (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich HS) garnered season-highs on the defensive end with two denials, two steals and seven boards in just 20 minutes out on the floor. 'Wick's seven blocks were the most rejections served by the team, including four tabbed in the second half. The sophomore also registered six points.
Justin Pratt (North Kingstown, RI/North Kingstown HS) and Marc du Moulin (Altamont, NY/Guilderland HS) pulled down eight boards apiece to lead the Hawks rebounding effort. The duo also mirrored a steal and block and combined for 14 points.
Jake Sinicki (Endicott, NY/Maine-Endwell HS) (15) and Joey Lufkin (Argyle, NY/Argyle) (14) finished in double-figures in scoring while reserve Corey Baker (Granby, MA/Granby HS) scored a personal-high of nine in just 12 minutes of action.
Having completed its non-conference slate winning its final five games, the Hawks look to commence Empire 8 play, January 3 at Elmira College. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m.