HAMBURG, N.Y. – In a game that featured eight ties and nine lead changes, Hilbert Men's Basketball came up just short in a 109-105 loss to AMCC rival Pitt.-Bradford on Wednesday night inside the Bradner Hafner Recreation Center.

The Hawks (14-10, 7-8 AMCC) turned in one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season, shooting a blistering 61.7 percent (37-of-60) from the floor and 54.5 percent (12-of-22) from three-point range. The gold and blue also knocked down 19-of-24 free throws and matched the Panthers with 48 points in the paint.

Despite Hilbert's offensive efficiency, the Hawks allowed Pitt.-Bradford (15-9, 10-5 AMCC) to capitalize on Hilbert turnovers which resulted in more transition opportunities for the Panthers. Bradford scored 30 points off turnovers and 29 fast break points, offsetting Hilbert's strong shooting night.

The first half set the tone for a tightly contested battle, with Hilbert shooting 60.7 percent and taking a narrow 49-52 deficit into the locker room.

The second half continued at a frantic pace, as both teams eclipsed the 50-point mark again. The Hawks manufactured a 12-3 run over a three minute period setting 71-67 advantage while putting themselves in the bonus due to Panther fouls.  But Bradford responded with timely baskets, good defensive stops in their run-and-jump full court press and free throws down the stretch to secure the four-point win.

Larry Morse delivered a dominant performance, matching his career-high after pouring in 37 points on 15-of-20 shooting while grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds for his 10th double-double this winter. Jayden Montgomery added 19 points, two steals, three blocked shots and six assists, while Iyan Bremer went 5-for-7 from beyond the arc for 15 points. Ne'Sean Fowlks chipped in 13 points off the bench, connecting on three shots from long distance and added two blocked shots.

Hilbert finished with 39 rebounds and 27 assists on 37 made field goals, showcasing balanced ball movement in the high-scoring affair. Besides Montgomery's six, Ari Jones and Iyan Bremer passed for five each and Ronnie Lewis added four assists and a massive dunk. The Hawks also received strong energy from the bench, contributing 17 points in the contest.

With one conference game remaining this weekend, the postseason picture is tightening.  The Hawks are still in the hunt for a top 4 finish which would allow them to host a First Round game Tuesday next week. 

Hilbert concludes the regular season Saturday, February 21 with a road game in Pittsburgh at Carlow University (4 pm tip).