ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira College Men's Basketball battled down the stretch but ultimately came out on the wrong side of a 76-70 decision against the visiting Hawks from Hartwick College on Saturday evening. After battling through the first and fighting off some late miscues which allowed the Hawks to hold a seven-point lead at the break, Elmira would eventually outscore the opposition 41-40 in the second frame but came up just short.

JJ Babcock '26 finished with a career-best 19 points in the contest to lead all EC scorers, while Dylan Jacob '24 reached double-figures for the second consecutive evening after posting a 14-point, five assist, and four rebound effort. Riley Spencer '26 rounded out the Soaring Eagles who reached double digits scoring, notching 11 points while converting on three shots from deep.

Hartwick, who was heavily led by its starting unit, scored all of its points for the game besides two (2). Elmira on the other hand, led the points off bench battle with 48 points. Harwick would go on to turn the ball over just 16 times for the contest, compared to Elmira who turned it over 20 times. Hartwick would lead the points off turnovers battle 21-12. 

JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elmira 70, Hartwick 76
LOCATION: Elmira, New York | Speidel Gymnasium
TEAM RECORDS: Elmira (2-10, 1-4 Empire 8), Hartwick (3-6, 2-2 Empire 8)

ELMIRA LEADERS (27-of-63, 42.9% from the floor)
JJ Babcock - 19 points, 8 rebounds
Dylan Jacob - 14 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds
Riley Spencer - 11 points
Quintel Clements - 6 points, 5 rebounds
Tyler Cardello - 6 points, 5 rebounds

HARTWICK LEADERS (27-of-62, 43.5% from the floor)
Kevin Felasco - 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Cooper Francis - 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist

UP NEXT:
The Soaring Eagles return to the court on Friday, January 13 when heading to Utica University to square off with the Pioneers in another Empire 8 Conference matchup. Tip is set for 7:30 PM on the campus of Utica.