ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Hilbert College Men's Basketball team played point-for-point with Elmira College during the 45-minute non-conference game but the Hawks went 2 for 8 from the charity stripe in overtime as they suffered a 95-93 defeat to the Soaring Eagles tonight.
 
By the final horn, each team forced 15 tie-score situations, and the Hawks had the ball in their hands for the final shot, but they committed a turnover after securing an offensive rebound with 2 seconds left in overtime.
 
HIGHT LIGHTS

Quran Briggs, with a career-high 33 points, hit 13 of 19 shots from the floor and 6 for 7 from the foul line as he earned Hilbert's only steals (2),  while Eric Jackson also finished with a new,  career-scoring record tossing in 23 points, making 11-of-13 field goal attempts.  Zach Miller notched double figure scoring as the Hawks outrebounded Elmira 15-7 on the offensive glass.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both teams traded buckets early in the opening half.  The Hawks were in the bonus with about 11 minutes left in the half, yet they were unable to capitalize at the free throw line because they stopped attacking the rim. 
• Hilbert built a four-point spread (18-16) at 8:45, but back-to-back traveling violations allowed Elmira back in the game.  The Soaring Eagles struck from downtown on two consecutive trips to take a 22-21 lead before Nathan Moore drilled his own three to lift the Hawks 23-22.
• After a Hilbert timeout, both teams dropped to a zone defense which green-lighted perimeter shots.  Each team burned the nets forcing another defensive switch back to man.  The Soaring Eagles connected again beyond the arc after battling for an offensive rebound.  Hilbert had one last attempt at the rim but went to intermission down 36-33.
• Elmira defended the Hawks in the paint, dove for a loose ball at midcourt and stretched a 2-point lead to seven which forced a Hilbert timeout at the 15-minute mark in the second half.
• Zach Miller and Eric Jackson pulled Hilbert with in one but the Soaring Eagles continued to hold onto to their lead.
• Edward Perez grabbed a defensive rebound, delivered a quick outlet to Shaheem Ellis who pitched the ball up the court to Miller who drilled a three from the deep corner lifting Hilbert 70-69 with 4:33 left.
• Briggs scored 5 points, finishing a 3-point play on one trip, before Miller stopped and popped from the foul line to keep Hilbert on top by two.
• Jackson netted Hilbert's final four points in regulation as he forced overtime with a hard penetration to the rim which he finished with his left hand to knot score 83-all.
• After the hosts went up by three in overtime, Briggs secured an offensive putback score off Edward Perez' missed second free throw and forced the games' 29th tie score, but Elmira hit again from deep to create enough space for the win. The Hawks went 1 for 6  at the foul line and had the ball with 0:15 on the clock.  After a timeout, the Hawks got a great look beyond the arc, secured an offensive rebound, but upon dribble penetration, lost the ball to the defender who held on for the win.

GAME NOTES 

• Briggs netted 17 points before the break;  Hilbert made 13 field goals while Elmira sank 12, but went 6 for 16 from 3-point as Hilbert made only 3 of 8.
• Jackson tossed in 19 second-half points practically willing Hilbert to a win down the stretch.
• Briggs, Jackson, Elijah Powell and Perez each led with six rebounds.
• Hilbert finished the game shooting 51.4-percent from the field, made only five 3-pointers and went 16-for-29 at the foul line while Elmira connected on 50.8-percent from the floor, hit 11 (of 26) three's and made 18-of-24 at the charity stripe for the one  point win.

UP NEXT

Hilbert (2-2) is scheduled to host Franciscan University this Saturday, November 26 at 1:00pm.  Please stay connected to all social media platforms for any schedule changes.