Box Score ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College men's basketball team dropped a close decision to Hartwick Friday evening, as the Bombers fell to the Hawks by a score of 93-90 in overtime at Ben Light Gymnasium. The loss pushes Ithaca's overall record to 11-11, including a mark of 8-5 in the Empire 8. Hartwick improves to 14-8 overall and 9-5 in conference play.

The Bombers hit 28-of-76 shots in the contest, giving them a shooting percentage of 36.8 from the floor. Ithaca shot 31.4 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on 11-of-35 attempts. The Bombers were 23-of-28 from the charity stripe, good for 82.1 percent on the night. Ithaca's bench recorded 24 points, edging out Hartwick's total of 11.

Five Bombers scored in double figures, led by Keefe Gitto's 18-point effort in 34 minutes of play. Gitto's point total paired with 13 rebounds, marking Gitto's eighth double-double of the year. Freshman Marc Chasin recorded his first collegiate double-double, coming on 16 points and a career-high 10 boards. Junior Sam Bevan paced the Bombers with seven assists to go along with 17 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Joe Masino and freshman Joey Flanagan recorded 12 and 10 points, respectively. Flanagan also paced Ithaca with five steals.  

The Hawks came out on fire in the opening frame, scoring the game's first 11 points. Bevan broke the Hartwick run, scoring five-straight points to pull Ithaca back to within six. The Hawks pushed back, taking another double-digit lead at 16-6 with just over 14 minutes remaining in the half. Bevan once again answered for the Bombers, nailing another shot from beyond-the-arc to put the score at 16-9.

Hartwick pulled away in the middle of the frame, as the Hawks went on a 20-10 run over the next six minutes. The Hawks carried their momentum to the end of the half, taking a 54-36 lead over the Bombers into the break.

A Hartwick layup opened the second half, giving the Hawks a 20-point edge. After cutting the Hartwick lead to 16, the Bombers scored 13-straight points to pull back to within three points. The run started with a layup from Chasin, and ended with another layup from Gitto to put the score at 66-63 with 8:33 remaining in the frame.

Hartwick's three-point lead carried into the final two minutes, as the Hawks led 78-75 with 1:38 remaining. Senior Max Masucci nailed a clutch three pointer with 1:30 to go, tying the contest for the first time since the opening tip. Both teams exchanged free throws in the following possession, putting the score at 80-80 with just under a minute to play. Hartwick had the final opportunity to score in regulation, but a crucial block from Gitto down low with two seconds remaining preserved the tie and sent the game to overtime.

Despite Ithaca's rally, the Bombers were not able to capitalize in the bonus session. Hartwick outscored Ithaca 13-10, securing the 93-90 conference win.

Ithaca is right back in action on Saturday, Feb. 14, as the Bombers play host to the Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks. The Bombers will honor seniors Max Masucci and Keefe Gitto before the start of the contest, as it marks the final regular season home game of year. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Ben Light Gymnasium. 

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