HOBOKEN, N.J. (February 16, 2019)  – Senior Ryan Coffey matched a career high with 19 points, sophomore Alec DiPietrantonio posted his 10th double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and the Stevens Institute of Technology men's basketball team advanced to the Empire 8 Conference Championship tournament courtesy of a 74-67 victory over Hartwick College Saturday evening in an E8 matchup at Canavan Arena. 

Senior Kevin Florio added 12 points and six rebounds and senior Frank Amari added four points and a team-high four assists for the Ducks, who won their second straight game to close the regular season with a 16-9 record and a 9-7 mark in conference play. The Ducks have won five straight meetings with Hartwick, although the Hawks lead the all-time series 13-12.

Kyle Bradshaw totaled 13 points and eight rebounds before fouling out and Austin Haskell came off the bench to record a team-high 14 points for the Hawks, who dropped their second straight game to fall to 9-15 on the year and 5-10 in the E8. Hartwick will take on Sage in its season finale on Monday afternoon.

The victory ensured that Stevens will finish ahead of Utica College, despite the Pioneers still having games in hand, to secure the fourth seed in the conference tournament. The Ducks have advanced to the conference tournament in each of the last four seasons. 

In a game that was delayed by over three hours due to transportation issues for the Hawks, Stevens opened the contest playing like the team with its season on the line, connecting on four of its first six shots to take a 12-2 lead. Each of the four baskets came from behind the arc, with Hartwick getting on the board courtesy of a Justin Carruthers layup. Stevens shot a blistering 61.5 percent (8-for-13) on its three-point field goal attempts in the first half.

After the Ducks won the opening tip, Florio fed Coffey for an open three, which the Monroe, New York native sank with ease. Following a Hartwick turnover, Florio facilitated for the second straight possession, finding an open Conor Barron for his seventh consecutive made field goal against the Hawks. The Long Valley, New Jersey native shot 6-for-6 from the floor in Stevens' victory at Lambros Arena earlier in the season.

The teams then alternated misses before Amari fed Coffey for his second triple of the game. The senior forward finished with four threes on the evening.

Following Carruthers' basket, Florio became the shooter, hitting a long three to open a 10-point lead and force a Hartwick timeout. After opening the double-digit lead, Stevens held the visitors at-bat, producing key defensive stops when needed to keep a comfortable margin between the teams. Hartwick would not get any closer than seven points, which did not occur until the game's final minute.

Prior to the game, the Department of Athletics honored the Men's Basketball Class of 2019: Florio, Amari, Coffey, Jayson Winick and Conor Barron for their contributions to the basketball program in a pre-game ceremony.

Inside the Numbers

• Stevens outshot Hartwick, 44.3 percent to 33.8. The Ducks were especially proficient in the first half, knocking down 16 of their 30 attempts (53.3%) en opening up as much as a 22-point lead over the opening 20 minutes.
• The Ducks knocked down 10 shots from behind the arc, including 8 in the opening stanza. Stevens finished 10-of-23 (43.5%) on threes, while Hartwick made six of their 28 attempts.
• Hartwick outrebounded Stevens, 45-39, including a 15-9 edge on the offensive glass. Despite the margin, the Ducks posted a 12-9 edge in second-chance points.
• Stevens converted 17 Hartwick turnovers into 14 points.
• DiPietrantonio led all players with two blocks. The sophomore center has 41 rejections on the season, which is currently the ninth-highest single-season total in program history.
• The Ducks held the edge (32-26) in points in the paint and fast break points (6-2).
• Stevens never trailed.

Unsung Hero

• Junior Michael Zignorski came off the bench to score 10 points and hand out three assists. 

From the Court

• "We came ready to play tonight. We knew Hartwick would make a run, but I thought we did a great job controlling the game in the second half." - head coach Bobby Hurley.

On the Seniors

• "I'm very happy for our seniors that were able to enjoy one final win on their home court. Each senior has given their heart and soul for this basketball program and I'm excited for them to lead this team into the conference tournament next week." - head coach Bobby Hurley.

Up Next

• Stevens awaits its matchup in the Empire 8 Conference Championship. Stevens will either play against Nazareth or Alfred in the tournament's opening round. The Saxons and the Golden Flyers play one another on Feb. 19.

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