HAMBURG, N.Y. - Hilbert continued its strong early-season run on Tuesday night, grinding out a 71–66 win over visiting Alfred University inside the Brad Hafner Recreation Center. The Hawks improved to 6–1 on the year, using a balanced offensive attack and a sharp second half to pull away in a game that saw six ties and five lead changes.

After only collecting five points in the first half, Larry Morse powered Hilbert with an efficient 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, providing steady scoring in the paint. Jayden Montgomery orchestrated the offense with a standout all-around performance again - 16 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals - controlling the tempo and repeatedly creating scoring chances late.

Alfred led 34–32 at halftime after knocking down five first-half threes and dominating the glass behind Franlys Valenzuela, who finished with a game-high 15 rebounds. The Saxons' offense leaned on the duo of Zion Baitey and Tyler Curran, each posting 16 points, while Nolan Gilbert added 14 off the bench to keep them within striking distance.

The Saxons built their largest lead in the game (19-16) at 10:53 before the Hawks went on a 12-2 run bookended around a pair of 3-pointers by Iyan Bremer and Ari Jones taking a 28 lead five minutes later.  But Alfred knocked down two at the foul line to go up at the break.

Hilbert's second-half pace was the difference maker.  The Hawks attacked on offense which forced them to step up their intensity on defense which ultimately shifted the momentum.

Morse scored nine consecutive points before Demetrius Robinson drilled a 3-pointer only to have Morse tack-on six more which lifted the Hawks 48-40 just five minutes into the second half.

As the Saxons were challenging, Robinson came out of nowhere with a blocked shot at 4:10 which led to a 3-point play by Ari Jones four seconds later. Yet after Alfred connected from deep, and then made a stop on defense, Jayden Montgomery made a great defense to offense play by picking Tyler Curran's pocket at midcourt before feeding Ronnie Lewis for an easy two at 3:19.

A late surge - highlighted by a Montgomery steal and transition finish - pushed the Hilbert lead to two possessions in the closing minutes. The Hawks sealed the win at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 23 attempts on the night.

Hilbert held Alfred to 41% shooting after the break while shooting 52% themselves, buoyed by timely baskets from Ari Jones (14 points, 3 threes) and physical interior play from Jaden Mitchell, who added 8 points and key defensive stops.

Hilbert finished with 15 points off turnovers, 13 fast-break points, and a 30–28 edge in the paint. Despite being outrebounded 41–34, the Hawks' defensive pressure and efficient half-court execution proved decisive.

With the victory, Hilbert continues its strong start as it prepares to enter AMCC play next Wednesday when they travel to Pitt-Bradford December 3rd.