HAMBURG, N.Y. – Franciscan University recorded an 80-75 victory over Hilbert College in the Hawks Against Hunger Tip-Off Championship game this afternoon.

The Barons, who won the game at the foul line after hitting their freebies down the stretch, earned their third victory over the Hawks in the 14-year rivalry.

Early in the day, Buffalo State University battled to a 69-63 victory over Lycoming College in the 1:00 pm consolation game.

Bryce Williams (Buffalo State), Isaiah Valentine (Lycoming), and Larry Morse (Hilbert) joined Franciscan's Josh Zimmerman and Sayer Butler on the Tip Off All-Tournament Team.

Game Summary:

Hilbert College (1-1, 0-0 AMCC):

• Larry Morse was the standout for the Hawks, scoring 18 points on 8-10 shooting, adding 10 rebounds and 4 assists.
• Quran Briggs scored 14 points but struggled with his shooting, going 5-13 from the field and 0-1 from beyond the arc.
• Nathan Moore and Shaheem Ellis contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, with Ellis hitting 2-5 from three.
• Austin Boies provided a spark off the bench, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
• As a team, Hilbert struggled with their shooting, finishing at just 37.7% from the field, though they hit 39.1% of their three-pointers and 77.8% from the free-throw line.

Franciscan University (2-0, 0-0 PAC):

• Josh Zimmerman led the way with 23 points, shooting 9-11 from the field and 5-6 from the free-throw line, adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
• Sawyer Butler contributed 21 points, including 3-6 from beyond the arc, along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
• Travis Zimmerman added 13 points, with a solid 5-6 shooting performance and 8 rebounds.
• Frank Bellissimo chipped in with 11 points, hitting 3 three-pointers.
• As a team, the Barons shot 59.2% from the field, including 35.3% from three-point range and 69.6% from the free-throw line.

Key Statistics:

• Points in the Paint: Franciscan 32, Hilbert 30
• Fast Break Points: Franciscan 19, Hilbert 12
• Bench Points: Franciscan 6, Hilbert 21
• Points Off Turnovers: Franciscan 13, Hilbert 16
• Second Chance Points: Franciscan 8, Hilbert 14
• Lead Changes: 5 times
• Scores Tied: 6 times

Second Half Surge:

After the Hawks knotted the game at 10-all early in the opening half, Franciscan slowly stretched their lead to just six points on several occasions and maintained control on the score board the rest of the half. 

Hilbert took a one-point lead and worked through four lead changes before Franciscan went on a tear, shooting 72.7% from the field, including 5-8 from three-point range to close the game.

They capitalized on Hilbert's shooting struggles, holding the Hawks to 38.5% shooting in the second half and securing the win.

Up Next:

Hilbert (1-1) hosts SUNY Fredonia this Wednesday the 13th in a 7pm game back inside the Hafner Rec Center.