HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's basketball team saw its 10-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday afternoon, falling 82 - 68 to SUNY Geneseo in a nonconference matchup at the Brad Hafner Recreation Center.
Hilbert (10-2, 3-0 AMCC) entered the contest riding its longest win streak in program history, but SUNY Geneseo (5-4, 1-0 Empire 8) controlled the tempo early and never trailed. The Knights opened the game with efficient shooting and built a double-digit advantage midway through the first half, using transition offense and strong interior play to establish a 43 - 32 lead at the break.
The Hawks responded with improved offensive execution in the second half, shooting 42.3 percent from the field after intermission and trimming the deficit to single digits on multiple occasions. However, SUNY Geneseo answered each push, converting timely baskets and capitalizing at the free-throw line to maintain separation.
Jaden Mitchell paced the Hawks with 16 points, knocking down three three-pointers and scoring in double figures for the 8th time this season.
Ari Jones followed with 12 points, while
Larry Morse posted his sixth double-double with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds to anchor the effort on the glass.
Ronnie Lewis contributed six points and four assists, and
Jayden Montgomery dished out a team-high seven assists.
Hilbert held its own on the boards, finishing with 33 rebounds, and matched SUNY Geneseo from beyond the arc at 33.3 percent, but turnovers at the start of the game and in the opening minute of the second half proved costly against the Knights' up-tempo attack.
Geneseo finished the game shooting an even 50.0 percent from the floor and held advantages in points in the paint (44 - 32) and fast-break points (30 - 13). The Knights also went 18-for-27 from the foul line, while Hilbert was limited to 13 made free throws.
Despite the loss, the Hawks remain perfect in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference play and sit at 10-2 overall, marking the best starts to a season in program history. Saturday's contest also marked Hilbert's first defeat since the season opener.
The Hawks will look to regroup and return to the win column in their next game against Penn State Altoona this coming Wednesday, January 7th in an early afternoon AMCC double header.
