Utica, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly men's basketball team secured a critical 83-68 victory over Hartwick, with Daimarr Miller leading the charge. Miller scored 22 points, marking a career milestone by surpassing 1,000 career points. The win also clinched the Wildcats' spot in the Empire 8 playoffs.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

Hartwick came out strong, with Henry Perkins hitting a layup and free throw to give the Hawks an early 3-0 lead. The Wildcats quickly responded with a jumper from Daimarr Miller, keeping the game close. Both teams struggled to convert opportunities early, with missed layups and three-pointers, but solid rebounding from Kamryn Comstock kept the Wildcats alive on offense.

Midway through the first half, the Wildcats took control. A key 3-pointer from Comstock put SUNY Poly ahead 7-5. Lamarqus Merchant Jr. was crucial during this stretch, scoring fastbreak layups and creating turnovers to maintain momentum. Hartwick fought back, but the Wildcats kept their foot on the gas, including a fastbreak dunk by Anthony Rose that gave them a 33-29 lead with under three minutes remaining.

Hartwick kept it close with a couple of 3-pointers from Mike Gitz and Joey McLaurinl. However, the Wildcats responded with strong plays from Merchant and Rose to give them a 35-33 lead heading into halftime. 

The second half saw the Wildcats pull away with consistent offensive performances. Merchant added more layups, helping SUNY Poly extend their lead. Henry Perkins kept Hartwick in the game, adding multiple layups and a 3-pointer, while Isaiah Thomas chipped in with some strong drives to the basket and a three-pointer of his own.

However, SUNY Poly's defense remained firm. Miller, who had been an offensive spark, hit a key three-pointer to push the lead to 17 points and reach his 1,000th career point. Despite Hartwick's final efforts, including a three-pointer from Thomas in the closing minutes, SUNY Poly held strong to secure the 83-68 victory.

With the win, the Wildcats have officially clinched a spot in the Empire 8 playoffs in their first season as part of the conference.

"Senior Day is always an emotional day," said head coach Rob Schoener. "I'm proud of how the guys managed those emotions, especially in the second half. Every night in the Empire 8 is a battle, so it's great to get another win!"