January 13, 2007

John Grazioli

Duncan Paddick

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart basketball team snapped Clarkson University’s five-game win streak with an impressive 65-56 Liberty League win in Bristol Gym this afternoon. The Statesmen showcased a balanced and deep attack that saw all 11 players that entered the game score at least two points and grab a rebound.

Junior forward John Grazioli (St. Anthony’s/Melville, N.Y.) led Hobart with 12 points and two blocked shots, while senior guard Duncan Paddick (Chenango Valley/Binghamton, N.Y.) and senior forward Dan Matuzak (Locust Valley/Lattingtown, N.Y.) added career-high with 10 and eight points, respectively. Senior forward Kevin Riley (Xavier/Brooklyn, N.Y.) keyed the Statesmen’s 35-28 rebounding advantage with a game-high seven.

Hobart’s 65 points and 44.2 percent shooting performance are the second highest totals the Knights—who came into the game with the League’s No. 1 scoring defense—have allowed this season.

Senior guard EJ Harrison (LaSalle Institute/Troy, N.Y.) paced the Knights (10-3, 1-1) with 15 points and five steals. Sophomore guard Brian Salanger (West Genesee/Syracuse, N.Y.) contributed 13 points. Clarkson was limited to just 32.7 percent shooting.

Hobart (4-9, 1-2 Liberty) never trailed in the contest and broke the only tie of the game, 8-8, with a 9-1 run. The Statesmen relied on clutch free throw shooting to build their 32-22 halftime lead, hitting their first 11 attempts from the line and finishing the day 25-of-33 (.758).

In the second half, Clarkson managed to whittle its deficit down to just three on a three-pointer by Salanger at the 7:59 mark, but Hobart responded with an 8-0 run, effectively quelling the threat.

The Statesmen are back in action on Jan. 16, when they travel to Elmira for a non-conference match up. Tipoff against the Soaring Eagles is scheduled for 8 p.m.