HAMBURG, N.Y. - Hilbert Men's Basketball continues to show up after intermission and tonight they used a dominant second-half performance to secure a 92-77 victory over No. 5 Penn State Altoona in the First Round game of the 2026 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference postseason tournament.

The Hawks outscored the Lions 55-41 after halftime by limiting their first-half turnovers and converting multiple 3-point plays to make the program's sixth appearance in the Final Four tournament this weekend.

Head coach Rob deGrandpre shared, "Our staff is really proud of our guys for staying composed and buying in to the preparation that was needed to beat a good opponent like Penn State Altoona tonight."

In a game that featured 10 ties and 10 lead changes, Hilbert seized control midway through the second half behind efficient shooting and relentless work on the glass. The Hawks shot 59.5 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes and finished the night at 50.7 percent overall.

Coach continued, "We dug in and found a way to separate ourselves a bit at different points in the second half.  Great production off the bench from Demetrius Robinson to go with the steady play of Jayden Montgomery, Ari Jones, and Larry Morse."

Hilbert placed four players in double figures, led by Ari Jones with a game-high 28 points. Jones knocked down 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and added seven rebounds while consistently attacking the rim which resulted in nine free throw attempts.

Jayden Montgomery followed with 21 points and a game-high nine assists, directing the Hawks' offense with poise. His scoop lay-ins were tough to defend off the bounce, but it was his late-game 3-point hit that took the wind out of the Lions' come-back attempt.

Larry Morse added 20 points and nine rebounds, drawing a double and triple team when catching in the paint, and Demetrius Robinson posted a strong effort off the bench with his second double-double this week, pairing 11 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.  Individually, Robinson corralled a game-best six offensive rebounds for the Hawks while Altoona, as a team recorded only six offensive rebounds.

The Hawks controlled the interior throughout the contest, outscoring Penn State Altoona 58-50 in the paint and holding a decisive 48-32 advantage on the boards. Hilbert's 19 offensive rebounds led to 16 second-chance points, a key difference in the game.

After holding a narrow 37-36 lead at halftime, Hilbert opened the second half with improved defensive intensity and ball movement, recording 22 assists on 38 made field goals. The Hawks also received a boost from their bench, which outscored Altoona's reserves 16-5.

Penn State Altoona was led by Braelen Cage and Nehemiah Frye with 20 points apiece, but Hilbert's depth and second-half intensity as well as support from the Hawks Nest proved too much down the stretch.

"We are grateful for all the Hawks supporters that came out to back us tonight.  Hoping to see them again Friday night in Erie, PA!"

Hilbert (16-10) advances to Friday night's 6:00 pm game against No. 1 Penn State Behrend in the Junker Center.  No. 3 La Roche, who beat No. 6 Alfred State in tonight's other First Round game, will face No. 2 Pitt-Greensburg in the 8:00 pm night cap.

Friday night's victors will advance to Saturday's 5:00 p.m. championship game, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.