Keuka College Dominates Second Half to Defeat Hartwick

ONEONTA, N.Y. — Keuka College (9-12, 6-6 Empire 8) defeated Hartwick College (7-14, 1-11 Empire 8) 87-79 at Lambros Arena on Friday night.

Lamar Lovelace (Rochester, N.Y./Northeast College Prep) scored 29 points and recorded four steals, leading the team's offensive efforts. Akinlana Popoola (Cleveland, O.H./Padua Franciscan) added a career high 27 points, converting 9 of 10 free throws and hitting four 3-pointers. Kaleb Nutifafa (Elmsford, N.Y./Alexander Hamilton) contributed defensively with three blocks and grabbed eight rebounds. Malik Junious-Fuller (Queens, N.Y./The Patrick School) also made an impact with three steals and four assists.

Keuka College 87 vs Hartwick College 79

Keuka College started strong with an early jumper by Lovelace, gaining a 2–0 advantage at 19:08. Despite trailing 10–5, Makya Morrison (Oneonta, N.Y./Oneonta) scored a layup and a free throw to tie at 17:41, showcasing the Wolves' resilience. Popoola's three-pointer at 12:33 tied the game again at 16, and Keuka College briefly held leads with efficient free throw shooting. However, Hartwick maintained pressure, pushing ahead with a late 3-pointer with two to go in the half. The period concluded with Keuka trailing 47–40.

Keuka College a took control in the second half with a decisive 13–0 run midway through, highlighted by a three-pointer from Chase Welch (Buffalo, N.Y./The Park School) at 10:28 and a fast break layup by Lovelace at 13:04 to seize a 57–55 lead. Lovelace further extended the advantage with consistent scoring, including a dunk at 1:53. Keuka capitalized on Hartwick's turnovers, adding to their lead with points off fast breaks and free throws. The half concluded with the Wolves outscoring Hartwick 47–32, securing an 87–79 victory to end the game.

KC Notes:

• Keuka college's defense forced 15 turnovers, contributing to a 23-point advantage from turnovers.
• The Wolves move to 6-12 all-time against the Hawks
• Hartwick led for 58.9 percent of the game and held a lead as large as 10 points

Up Next for Keuka College: The Wolves are set to face Russell Sage College on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. in Albany, New York.

For the latest stories, schedules and results from Keuka College Athletics, visit www.KeukaAthletics.com, like us on Instagram and X @KeukaAthletics, or go to the Keuka Athletics' Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/KeukaAthletics.