HAMBURG, N.Y. — Hilbert Men's Basketball moved to 4–1 on the season Wednesday night, rallying behind a dominant second-half surge to defeat visiting Houghton University, 76–69, inside the Brad Hafner Recreation Center.

The Hawks outscored the Highlanders 43–30 after halftime, powered by an exceptional performance from freshman guard Ari Jones, who poured in a game-high 28 points on 11-of-13 shooting.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle featuring 12 lead changes. Hilbert trailed 39–33 at the break but quickly found its rhythm coming out of the locker room.

Jones ignited the comeback with eight points in the opening four minutes of the second half, while the Hawks' defensive pressure forced key turnovers that swung momentum.

With the score tied at 60, Hilbert edged ahead 65–62 before exploding for six quick points from beyond the arc, stretching the lead to nine with under three minutes remaining.

Hilbert showcased a balanced offensive attack throughout the night. Larry Morse contributed 16 points and four rebounds, while Jayden Montgomery delivered an all-around standout performance with 15 points, nine assists, and four steals. Off the bench, Ne'Sean Fowlks added 10 points and five boards.

Dominance on the glass proved decisive as Hilbert won the rebounding battle 40–28, including 16 offensive boards that led to 21 second-chance points. The Hawks also thrived in transition, scoring 17 fast-break points while limiting Houghton to just nine.

Houghton (1–3) was led by Ty Clark with 17 points and Donovan Loudermill with 14, but the Highlanders struggled to contain Hilbert's interior scoring and ball movement in the second half.

The Hawks return to action this weekend, hosting Empire 8 rival Keuka College in a 1 p.m. tip-off at the Hafner Recreation Center.