BOX SCORE

MORAGA,  Calif. - With the game no longer in question and the clock winding down, head coach John Gallagher called for a substitution, bringing senior Morgan Sabia off the court. Sabia, playing in front of a large contingent of family and friends just a short drive from his hometown of San Anselmo, had put up a career-high 26 points against the St. Mary's, a Sweet 16 team a year ago and a squad looking like a solid bet to make it back to March this year. Despite the prolific night from Sabia, the Hawks did not have enough to fend off the high-flying Gaels, who closed out 2010 with an 87-63 victory.

Sabia added a team-high six rebounds. It was the third time this season that the senior set or tied his career high, after putting up 23 against Central Connecticut and matching that figure the next time out at Quinnipiac.

Sabia accounted for 12 of the Hawks' first 13 points of the game as they hung with the Gaels early. A three from the top of the key tied the score at 13 with 12:52 remaining in the first half. From there, though, St. Mary's rattled off a 19-2 run that distanced themselves from the Hawks for good.

Hartford trailed 41-26 at the half, but came out with a renewed energy and enthusiasm to start the second. Almost immediately, the Hawks cut the St. Mary's lead to single digits, thanks to five points from Sabia and three from senior Milton Burton. Burton would finish the game with 14 points, one shy of his season high.

With the lead cut to 43-34, St. Mary's went back to work. Mickey McConnell, who finished with a St. Mary's-high 21 points, put in five points and two assists over the next three minutes, pushing the lead back to 17. Hartford did not mount another serious threat the rest of the way.

Hartford finished the second half with one of its best shooting periods of the season. The Hawks were 15-for-32 from the floor (46.9%) and 6-for-15 (40.0%) from three. Overall, the Hawks shot 42.1% for the game, 40.0% from three. Both numbers tied the team's season highs.

For the first time all season, Hartford played its entire 14-man active roster. Seven Hawks scored, with Sabia and Burton finishing in double figures.

Hartford will return home on a redeye flight, ringing in the New Year shortly after taking off. They will be right back at it on Monday, welcoming St. Francis (N.Y.) into the Reich Family Pavilion for the Hawks' final non-conference game of the season. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased by calling 860-768-HAWK or by visiting the Malcolm and Brenda Berman Athletics Box Office at the Reich Family Pavilion. Fans who can't make it out to the game can listen to all the action on the flagship station of Hartford men's basketball, WDRC-1360 AM. Jeff Dooley and Randy LaVigne will have the call.