The University of Hartford was ranked number four coming into the America East Championship. Being ranked in the top five was a big confidence boost for the Hawks going into Saturday’s opening round matchup with the #9 seeded Binghamton Bearcats. The Hawks looked ready and locked in, seeking the same success they saw during last year’s playoff run, where they saw themselves facing Vermont in the conference championship. That game, however, never took place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hartford was shooting hot out of the gate, dropping four three-pointers in the first seven minutes, pushing their lead to 18-7. Midway through the first half, grad student Traci Carter nailed his second three of the game, bringing the lead into double digits at 21-11. Binghamton pulled back within six, but a 9-5 run saw the Hawks ahead at half 34-24. Red-shirt senior, Austin Williams, scored nearly half of his overall 29 points by the end of the first half.

The Hawks picked up where they left off to start the second, opening up with a 15-6 run, pushing the lead to 49-30. The Bearcats tried their best to muster up a late-game push, but the Hawks responded and held on to win by a score of 77-60. Hartford’s celebration was short, as they had their next obstacle the next day when they took on the #5 seeded University of Albany.

On Sunday, Hartford took on the Albany Great Danes in the Quarter-Final round of the America East Championship. Both teams hit the ground running, hitting shot after shot. By halftime, both teams had been red hot but Hartford, who led by as many as seven points, took a 38-34 lead into the locker room. Junior D.J. Mitchell contributed 11 points, which included two of his four total three pointers.

The second half got underway, the same as the first. The Hawks pushed themselves out to a nine-point lead until Albany stormed back, keeping the Hawks from going into double digits. Continuing to chip away, the Great Danes were able to force a tie at 57 all, the first time since tip-off. The game remained tight, becoming a nail biter down the stretch.

With 1.24 left in the game, Albany pushed themselves to within one possession of the Hawks, who could see the next round in sight. With 58 seconds left in regulation, Traci Carter hit a nasty step-back jumper to secure not only the lead, but the eventual victory. Carter led the team with 20 points, while sophomore Miroslav Stafl led the team with seven rebounds.

The Hawks travel to Vermont on Saturday, March 6th, for a matchup with the #2 seeded Vermont Catamounts. These two teams were set to square off in last year’s conference championship, but unfortunately it didn’t get played due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hartford is playing in their fourth semi-final game in as many seasons and look to keep their post season win streak going.