Box Score
HAMBURG, NY – The Hilbert College men’s basketball team swept the series against Franciscan after the Hawks took a 63-44 win at home January 19. Hilbert improved to 14-4 overall and 8-3 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference while Franciscan searches for their first win of the season.
Hilbert finished the game with balanced scoring, as four players reached for double figures. Senior Dan McFarland and freshman Jerame Owens earned double-doubles padding their career totals. McFarland had 11 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Owens added 10 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Sophomore Rob Cuomo {in photo} playing focused basketball after starting his first game, went 5 of 6 from the floor (3 of 4 long distance) and scored 13 points. Anthony Hodge came off the bench and matched Cuomo’s efforts but added five steals.
Franciscan’s Joseph Rine impressed the Hafner Center with a 20-point, 14-rebound, and a 5-block performance.
After an early close contest, Cuomo’s four point spurt, on top of his opening back to back 3-pointers, gave the Hawks a needed cushion heading into half time. Hilbert led 27-23 after shooting 37.9% from the floor. The Hawks pulled down six offensive rebounds and committed four fewer turnovers while getting credit for four steals at the break.
Hilbert lengthened their lead to seven points (32-25) after three minutes into the second half with a Owens layup and another Cuomo long distance hit. Franciscan tightened their defense and attacked on offense showing a real threat to take over the game. Joe Rine scored back to back jumpers which kept the Barons inches from taking their first lead in the second half with just over ten minutes left. McFarland got his second and then third steal of the contest which started an 8-0 Hilbert run. Once the Hawks established their double-digit lead again, things started to settle down for Hilbert, who went 8 of 9 at the foul line in the last 90 seconds.
Hilbert’s depth continues to separate them from opponents as the season progresses. Ten different players have started for the Hawks. Hilbert’s bench outscored Franciscan’s 25-4.
Hilbert’s next challenge is Wednesday, January 23 when they host cross-town rival Medaille College at 8pm. The Mavericks claimed an 80-70 victory in North Buffalo in mid-December. But, the HAWKS NEST should be in full force this week with all the students back on campus after the semester break.