The men’s basketball team improved its hopes of clinching the Empire 8 Championship tournament with an 82–72 win over Hartwick College on Friday on the road.

The Bombers trailed by as much as 11 during the game before making a comeback. The Hawks got in foul trouble, allowing Ithaca to get back in the game. Freshman Sean Rossi and juniors Chris Cruz-Rivas and Phil Barera combined for six consecutive free throws to cut to within five. Sophomore Jordan Marcus drained a three-pointer and Barera sunk a layup to cap an 11–0 run, tying the game at 23.

The Bombers closed the half on a 10–2 run and didn’t look back.

Marcus led the team with 26 points and a career-best eight rebounds. Cruz-Rivas also hit double digits in points with 18.

The Blue and Gold picked up 21 assists on the game. Rossi, the national leader in assists per game, led the team with 10.

Ithaca hosts Elmira College at 4 p.m. today at Ben Light Gymnasium in the final home game of the season.