February 10 , 2005

GENEVA, N.Y.—While the temperature is dropping outside, things are heating up in Bristol Gym this weekend. The Hobart College basketball team plays host to Clarkson University at 8 p.m., on Feb. 11, and St. Lawrence University at 4 p.m., on Feb. 12. Live online statistics for both games will be available free of charge exclusively at: web.hws.edu/statesmen/basketball/schedule.asp.

The Statesmen (11-8, 6-3 Liberty) enter the weekend one half game behind circuit front-runner Skidmore (7-3 Liberty). Hobart has won seven of its past nine games and is led by a quartet of players averaging at least 11.0 ppg.

Marksman Colby Feane (Weedsport/Weedsport, N.Y.) leads the way with 16.6 ppg. The junior guard is shooting 52.1 percent from beyond the three-point arc and 80.3 percent from the free throw line. Senior forward Joe Flacke (Schenectady/Schenectady, N.Y.) is also firing on all cylinders, contributing 13.0 ppg and 7.3 rpg. Sophomore guard Mike Manning (Center Moriches/Mastic, N.Y.) and junior guard Adam Frederic (Holy Cross/Flushing, N.Y.) have chipped in 11.6 ppg and 11.0 ppg, respectively.

The Statesmen split with their neighbors to the north last month. Hobart dropped a nail-biter at St. Lawrence 71-68, on Jan. 14, but rebounded the following afternoon to topple Clarkson 71-65 behind Manning’s 22-point effort.

Clarkson enters Friday’s game with a 7-14 record (3-7). The Golden Knights are led by junior forward Russ Vitallo (14.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg). After sweeping Vassar and Rensselaer at home last weekend, Clarkson lost in overtime at St. Lawrence 69-67 on Feb. 8.

St. Lawrence, which plays at Hamilton College on Feb. 11, starts the weekend with a 6-15 overall mark (4-6). The Saints are led by senior forward Aaron Marshall who is averaging 21.9 ppg and 10.9 rpg.