January 18, 2005

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart basketball team jumped out to an early lead and held on late to top Utica College 68-65 in a non-conference contest in Bristol Gym this evening. Senior Joe Flacke (Schenectady/Schenectady, N.Y.) and sophomore Mike Mastro (Jericho/Waterbury, N.Y.) posted matching 15-point, seven-rebound, two-assist, two-blocked shot efforts to pace the Statesmen.

Hobart (6-6) charged out to a 23-6 lead with less than seven minutes run off the clock. The Statesmen maintained their double digit advantage throughout the first half, leading by as many as 21, before heading into the locker room up 47-32.

Flacke led all scorers at the break with 12 points.

In the second half, Utica (7-5) chipped away at Hobart’s advantage, gaining its first lead of the game, 65-64, with 4:34 remaining on an off-balance three-pointer by Jamar Bryant. It was the final basket of the night for the Pioneers.

Junior forward Adam Frederic (Holy Cross/Flushing, N.Y.) put the Statesmen back in front, driving to the basket from the left side of the lane for a layup and the last of his nine points at the 2:34 mark. With 1:45 remaining, Mastro scored the contest’s final points.

Utica missed four shots and committed three turnovers in the final four minutes that would have tied the game or put the visitors back in front.

Junior guard Colby Feane (Weedsport/Weedsport, N.Y.) recorded 14 points and four steals in the winning effort, while sophomore guard Mike Manning (Center Moriches/Mastic, N.Y.) contributed 10 points and three steals.

Senior forward Tim Troy (Archbishop Stepinac/Yonkers, N.Y.) recorded game-highs in points (20) and rebounds (19) for Utica.

Hobart returns to the hardwood at 8 p.m., on Jan. 21, when the Statesmen host the Skidmore Thoroughbreds in a Liberty League match up.