Hobart basketball controlled the game from start to finish in a 78-65 road victory over Keuka on Tuesday night, never surrendering the lead in the non-conference matchup. Sophomore Monty Nedd powered the effort, stuffing the stat sheet with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven steals, coming close to a triple-double while knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Alex Moesch added 17 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Dorian Paki recorded his first collegiate double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Allen Mordi also reached double figures with 10 points.
Keuka was led by Lamar Lovelace, who posted a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds. Akinlana Popoola chipped in 11 points, and Kaleb Nutifafa added nine points and eight rebounds before fouling out late in the second half.
Hobart set the tone early when Axel Traina opened the scoring with a three-pointer, and although the Wolves briefly pulled even three times in the opening minutes, the Statesmen answered each push. After Keuka tied the game at 16, Hobart responded with a decisive 13-3 run fueled by efficient shooting and seven points from Nedd. That burst created a double-digit cushion, giving the Statesmen a 39-29 halftime advantage.
Keuka never got closer than eight in the second half, as Hobart maintained steady control and widened the margin to as many as 18 points.
The Statesmen return home to host the Hobart Basketball Tournament this weekend, beginning with a matchup against Merchant Marine on Friday.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].