the Informer

Adam Manison

The Hawks men’s basketball offensive struggle, among other game factors, served them two road losses and one home loss to make them 0-7 overall for the season.

Most recently on Tues. Nov. 29, Hartford neared their first victory of the year until visiting Yale came back to take the game in its final few minutes.

Hartford’s game prior on Sat. Nov. 26 against Central Connecticut State University at the Detrick Gym handed Hawk head coach John Gallagher his sixth loss of the season and second of the break

Just after the break’s beginning, on Wed. Nov. 23, Hartford received their first loss of the stretch from Holy Cross the Hart Center.

Their second game in the Chase Arena at the Reich Family Pavilion, Hartford’s first half lead, 35-29, gradually transformed in the second half to a Yale second half and game lead.

Just minutes into the second half Hawk senior guard Andres Torres scuffled with Terriers amidst a dead ball, which placed him on the bench for a significant portion that followed as Gallagher sat him down after.

With a majority of Freshman remaining on the court for Gallagher, Hartford’s offensive firepower that was backed by sound defense lost such support.

Although forcing less successful shooting, Hartford consistent fouling allowed for Yale’s 23-32 free throw shooting to provide the Terriers points without having to worry about field goals.

An early lead preceded Hartford’s game before as the Hawks lead 6-2 over CCSU.

Also setting precedent in this game was Hartford’s comeback allowance that began with a Blue Devils 10-0 run, sparked by a big three pointer by Robby Ptacek

Hartford was held to scoring only 7 points for the rest of the half with a score of 44-13 in favor of the Blue Devils.

Even though the Hawks went on to score 45 points in the second half, it wasn’t enough to come back as the Blue Devils scored 48 points.

Four CCSU players were in double figures, including three which had over 20 or more points.

Hartford’s leading scorers were Nate Sikma with 11 points, Wes Cole with 10 points and Jaime Schneck and Clayton Brothers both with 9 points apiece.

Setting precedent before the other two games, Hartford kept up with Holy Cross offensively and defensively by taking the lead after a Schneck lay-up that made the score 19-17 with 9:38 to play in the first half.

Holy Cross, however, went on a tear ending the first half with a 26-6 run.

Hartford would never comeback from the first half deficit, not even able to cut the Crusaders lead to single digits throughout the rest of the game.

Hartford shot well from the three throw line, but 22-61 FG shooting compared to Holy Cross’ 30-53 shooting from the field, the Hawks saw their first loss of the break.

Andres Torres came off the bench to score 15 and starter Yolonzo Moore II scored 11 to lead the Hawks in points.

Hartford will next travel down south to take on Central Florida on Sat. Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.