The Keuka College men’s basketball team picked up its second conference win in as many days on Saturday, defeating Hartwick College 77–71 to extend its winning streak to three games.
Senior guard Lamar Lovelace (Rochester, N.Y./Northeast College Prep) continued his strong play for the Wolves, recording a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds while adding two steals. Akinlana Popoola (Cleveland, Ohio/Padua Franciscan) also had a big performance, finishing with 20 points while shooting 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Both teams came out strong offensively in the opening minutes, trading baskets early. Hartwick held a slim 15–14 lead with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. A three-pointer by Popoola ignited a 14–3 run for the Wolves, giving Keuka a 10-point advantage with eight minutes left in the half. Popoola scored five points during the stretch as Keuka built momentum.
The Wolves maintained a double-digit lead until Hartwick knocked down a three-pointer with two minutes remaining, sparking a brief surge that cut the deficit to six at halftime.
Keuka set the tone early in the second half as Makya Morrison (Oneonta, N.Y./Oneonta) blocked a Hartwick three-point attempt just 15 seconds in, then followed it up with a powerful transition dunk. The sequence sparked an 11–2 run that extended Keuka’s lead to 51–36.
Hartwick responded with an 8–1 run, fueled by a pair of three-pointers, to pull back within single digits. Keuka maintained control behind Lovelace’s steady play, holding a 60–49 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
The Hawks again threatened to swing momentum with back-to-back three-pointers with eight minutes left, cutting the lead to five. Lovelace answered with an open transition layup to stop the run. Hartwick made one final push late, scoring 11 of the next 14 points on three straight corner three-pointers to close within three with 31 seconds remaining.
Keuka sealed the victory at the free-throw line in the closing moments, highlighted by a timely steal from Popoola to secure the 77–71 win.
KC Notes:
- Keuka College is now 5–12 all-time against Hartwick and has won four straight games against the Hawks
- Lovelace’s double-double marked his first of the season
- Popoola recorded his second 20-point game of his career, both coming against Hartwick
- The Wolves dominated fast-break scoring, outscoring Hartwick 29–12
Up Next: Keuka College returns home on Tuesday, Jan. 13, to face the Brockport Golden Eagles at 5 p.m.
