​​The Hartford men’s basketball team kicked off their 2021-2022 season on Tuesday at Wagner College. The Hawks are looking to continue their success last season, which saw the team take home the America East Championship and a March Madness appearance. Both teams were ready to hit the hardwood to kick off this season of college hoops. 

Turnovers plagued the Hawks early, as two early miscues within the first two minutes resulted in five quick fast-break points for Wagner. The Seahawks pushed the lead to 8-0 with 18:11 left before seniors, Austin Williams and D.J. Mitchell ignited a 10-2 Hartford run that drew the teams at 10-10 even with consecutive three-pointers.

The Seahawks continued to cash in on Hartford’s ten first-half miscues, pushing ahead by a 25-16 count with 8:48 left in half. The Hawks stormed back, though, as an 8-2 spurt bookended by three-pointers from senior David Shriver and Kimbrough made it a one-possession game. But Wagner held off the charge and delivered another blow, with Will Martinez’s three at the buzzer capping a half-ending 18-4 run that sent the Seahawks into the break with a 45-28 lead.

The offense continued to click for Wagner, which extended its lead to 24 midway through the final stanza. The Seahawks shot 53.8 percent from the field during that stretch to hold on for the win. The Hawks look to rebound on Friday as they travel down to Durham, North Carolina. Hartford is set to take on Campbell at 1 p.m. as part of the Duke Veteran’s Day Weekend Showcase.