GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart basketball team picked up its first win of the season and earned its 20th consecutive home win, defeating St. John Fisher 68-63 in Bristol Gym this evening. The Statesmen were led by senior guard Aidan Rodgers, who finished the night with a team-high 21 points and a game-high five steals.

Rodgers was 7-of-11 from the floor with a 3-pointer and went 6-of-7 at the free throw line. Senior forward Carter Meshanic added 11 points, a game-high seven assists and five rebounds. Sophomore guard Alex Moesch also reached double figures with 10 points.

St. John Fisher's Connor Williams produced game-highs of 23 points and 11 rebounds. He was joined in double digits by Eric Kegler, who had 18 points, including an 11-of-12 effort at the free throw line.

FOR THE RECORD

• Hobart improved to 1-1 on the season. The Statesmen haven't lost a game at home since Jan. 7, 2023.
• St. John Fisher slips to 1-2 on the year.

KEY STATS

• Hobart shot 51% from the floor, while limiting St. John Fisher to 41.7%. The Statesmen were most accurate before halftime, shooting 57.1% in the first 20 minutes.
• The teams combined for 36 turnovers, but Hobart made the most of its opportunities, outscoring the visitors 20-14 in points off turnovers.
• Behind Williams' 11 boards, the Cardinals had a 30-27 edge on the glass.
• Despite being outshot, St. John Fisher was able to keep the game close by making more free throws (19) than Hobart attempted (18).

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Statesmen used an 11-2 run late in the first half to turn a 4-point deficit into a 5-point lead. First-year Justin Price got the run started with back-to-back 3-pointers.
• Williams scored the next five points in the game to tie it at 25.
• On Hobart's next trip down the floor, first-year Allen Mordi hit a triple to put the home team back in the lead for good. 
• The Statesmen outscored the Cardinals 16-6 in the final four minutes of the half to carry a 41-31 lead into the break.
• Rodgers led all scorers with 10 first half points.
• Williams got hot to start the second half, leading St. John Fisher on a 12-3 run that cut Hobart's lead to just one, 44-43. Williams had seven points  during the surge.
• Moesch made back-to-back buckets followed by a layup by Rodgers to give the Statesmen some breathing room.
• From that point on, Hobart maintained at least a two-possession lead.

COACH'S COMMENTS



GIVE ME LIBERTY

• Hobart's next game, Nov. 19 at RPI (3-0), will mark the start of Liberty League play. The opening tipoff in Troy is scheduled for 7 p.m.