FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - The Hartford men's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season on Friday night at the Farmingdale State Tip-Off Tournament, falling to Montclair State University by a final score of 79-62. The Hawks were led offensively by River Eberhardt (Berlin, Conn.) and senior Kyle Winters( Corte Madera, Calif.), who combined for 27 points in the season opener.
Rapid Recap:
- Hartford opened the 2026-27 season with a quick start as sophomore Jaron Broomfield (Bronx, N.Y.) scored the Hawks' first basket off an assist from Winters. Senior Kaosi Chijioke (Atlanta, Ga.) followed with a three-pointer for his first points of the season, while Winters added a trifecta of his own as Hartford jumped out to an early 10-3 lead. Montclair State responded with a full-court press that sparked a 7-0 run, allowing the Red Hawks to take control and eventually grab a 12-10 advantage. The Hawks continued to battle as Winters connected on a pull-up jumper and Ri. Eberhardt added a basket to keep Hartford within two at 16-14. Montclair State extended its lead with a three-pointer from Matt Mikulka, but Hartford continued to fight back. Junior Bryce Hawkins (Bridgeport, Conn.) provided a spark with an-and-one driving layup, splitting the defense to record his first points of the season. However, the Red Hawks closed the half with a strong offensive push, taking a 34-21 advantage into the break.
- Hartford came out of the halftime break looking to chip away at the 13 point deficit. Montclair State opened the half with a dunk from Myles Primas, but senior Joshua Petion (Brooklyn, N.Y.) answered with a layup to get the Hawks in motion. Graduate student Drew Stack (Newport, N.J.) netted a three-pointer as the Hawks continued to battle on both ends of the floor. Winters and Stack continued to provide an offensive spark, with Stack knocking down another three-pointer and Winters adding a driving layup and free throw. Hartford began finding its rhythm offensively as Ri. Eberhardt connected on a driving layup before adding a free throw to bring the Hawks closer. Ri. Eberhardt continued his strong second half, knocking down a three-pointer looking to cut into the deficit. Montclair State continued to answer with timely buckets, including a deep three from Cristian Nicholson and a layup from Kevin Beck. Sophomore Dayn Campbell (New York, N.Y.) added a pair of baskets late, but Hartford fell short to Montclair State 79-62.
Inside the Numbers:
- Eberhardt led the Hawks offensively having an efficient night with 15 points (6-8 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-1 FT) while adding three rebounds and one assist. Winters and Petion each finished with 12 points, with Winters adding five assists and five rebounds, while Petion shot an effective 6-of-8 from the field and recorded two rebounds.
- Chijioke contributed six points and eight rebounds, while Stack and Campbell also added six points each. Campbell chipped in two assists and one steal.
- Kevin Beck led Montclair State with a game high 16 points (6-8 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-2 FT) and five rebounds. Cristian Nicholson followed closely behind with 15 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-2 FT) to go with five assists and four rebounds. Myles Primas added 11 points, six rebounds and four steals for the Red Hawks.
- Montclair State controlled the glass, out rebounding Hartford 40-34 while collecting 14 offensive rebounds. The Red Hawks also held the advantage in points in the paint, outscoring the Hawks 40-30, and capitalized on Hartford turnovers, scoring 24 points off turnovers compared to Hartford's 14. Hartford shot an efficient 46.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, making seven different three-pointers.
Up Next:
The Hawks will play tomorrow in the consolation game against Farmingdale State College. Tip off is tomorrow, Saturday, November 7th at 2:30 PM.
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