UTICA, N.Y.—The Hobart basketball team scored a 77-66 non-conference win at Utica this afternoon. The Statesmen seized the lead 32 seconds into the game and never relinquished it.
 
Fresh off final exams, Hobart had four players finish in double figures led by senior Aidan Rodgers' game-high 19 points. The Somers, New York, native was 4-for-4 from 3-point range, while going 7-of-8 from the floor. Sophomore Alex Moesch added 17 points. Senior Hunter Meshanic and first-year Allen Mordi both contributed career-highs. Meshanic logged 13 points, while Mordi notched 11.
 
The Pioneers' Dayion Thompson scored 17 points before fouling out with just over a minute left in the game. He was the only UC player in double digits.
 
FOR THE RECORD

• Winning for the fifth time in its last six games, Hobart improved to 6-3 overall.
• Utica slipped to 6-3.

 
KEY STATS

• The Statesmen enjoyed their best shooting effort since opening day, knocking down 50.9% against the Pioneers.
• Hobart was locked it from beyond the 3-point arc, making 10-of-19 for a season-high .526 shooting percentage.
• The Statesmen controlled the glass, outrebounding Utica 39-29. Senior Carter Meshanic led the way with a game-high 11 caroms.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Hobart connected on 10 of its first 12 shots in the game, jumping out to a 25-9 lead. Rodgers led the charge with a pair of 3-pointers as well as an old fashioned 3-point play.
• The Statesmen maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the first half, going into the break with a 42-29 lead.
• Mordi led all scorers with 10 first half points.
• Hobart shot 63% from the floor, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in the first half.
• With under 14 minutes remaining in the second half, Moesch knocked down a jumper to give the Statesmen their largest lead of the game, 55-33.
• The Pioneers scored the game's next 14 points and used a 17-2 run to pick away at Hobart's lead.
• With just under eight minutes remaining, a traditional 3-point play by Thompson got the home team with seven, 57-50.
• The Statesmen regained their footing when Moesch connected on a triple that launched the visitors on a 13-4 run that restored their double-digit advantage.

 
COACH'S CORNER

"Today was important for our team to finish the first semester with a win. Credit to our players for keeping their focus post final exams and giving us their all these past few days. I thought our offense came out strong and allowed us to play with a lead the entire game. When we compete as a unit on defense, we continue to prove we can be a great defensive team and today was another step in the right direction for us on that end of the floor." – Hobart Head Coach Stefan Thompson '13

 
MORE MONDAY MADNESS

• Hobart has the next two weeks off for the holidays. The Statesmen will return to action at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30 when they visit SUNY Maritime (5-4).