Box Score GENEVA, N.Y.–The Hobart College basketball team used a stifling defense and a scorching hot offense in the first half to surge to its seventh straight win by a score of 80-59 over visiting Clarkson University. Junior guard Brian Schiele (St. Anthony's/Seaford, N.Y.) led all scorers with 17 points for the Statesmen, who are one win away from tying the school record for consecutive victories.
The first eight minutes gave little hint to the offensive and defense clinics Hobart (11-4, 6-0 in UCAA) was about to put on. Clarkson's Josh Harner (12 points) made a jumper with 12:58 remaining to pull the Golden Knights to within four at 12-9. It was a lonely bucket.
The Statesmen used a 16-0 run to raise their lead to 28-9. Half of Hobart points during the run came off the hand of Schiele, who finished the first half 4-of-4 from the floor, including 3-of-3 from behind the arc, and 3-of-3 from the line. Scott Sherman (11 points) dropped in a 3-pointer with 8:00 left in the opening half interrupting the Statesmen's scoring streak, but it proved to be the final field goal of the half for Clarkson. In the final eight minutes, Hobart outscored Clarkson 18-2, en route to a 46-14 halftime lead.
The Statesmen scorched the nets in the opening half, connecting on 54.8 percent of their shots (17-of-31), including 85.7 percent of their 3-pointer (6-7). The Golden Knights meanwhile made just five field goals (out of 24, .208) and only two 3-pointers (out of 10). Clarkson was 0-for-10 from the floor in the last eight minutes of the opening half.
After the break, the Golden Knights tried to fight back, trimming the lead to 18, 59-41, with 9:34 remaining, but it was too little too late.
Three other Statesmen reached double digits on the night, paced by Joe Corbett (Haverford School/Philadelphia, Pa.). The sophomore center posted his ninth consecutive double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Junior forward Michael Gambino (Our Lady of Lourdes/Hyde Park, N.Y.) added 14 points, while sophomore forward Davidek Herron (Schenectady/Schenectady, N.Y.) chipped 12 points and eight rebounds. Senior point guard Kevin Leonardo (Coxsackie-Athens/Coxsackie, N.Y.) also turned in a solid effort with nine points and a team-high seven assists.
Clarkson was led by Nick Redhead's 14 points.
The Hobart will be back in action on Sat., Jan. 27, when they host St. Lawrence University at 4 p.m. The Saints (9-7, 4-2) are coming off an 89-83 win over Hamilton College this evening.
–HWS SPORTS–
