The Susquehanna River Hawks hosted the Elizabethtown College Blue Jays on Saturday, Jan. 24, in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, in a matchup that featured strong early momentum from Etown and a tightly contested finish. The Blue Jays ultimately held on late to secure a 72–68 road victory after withstanding a second-half surge from the River Hawks.
Etown wasted no time asserting control, opening the game with a fast-paced offensive push. Just 14 seconds into the contest, junior Woody Machado put the Blue Jays on the board with a layup, setting the tone for the opening stretch. That basket was quickly followed by consecutive layups from seniors EJ Finney and Austin Finnarelli, giving Etown an early lead and forcing Susquehanna to play from behind.
The Blue Jays’ early scoring was complemented by disciplined team defense. Machado helped disrupt Susquehanna’s offensive rhythm by forcing early turnovers, while the rest of the Etown lineup applied pressure and limited clean looks at the basket. Susquehanna was forced into contested shots as the Blue Jays controlled the pace on both ends of the floor.
Despite the strong start from Etown, the River Hawks began to settle into the game midway through the first half. With just over 11 minutes remaining before halftime, Susquehanna trimmed the deficit to six points, trailing 20–14. However, the Blue Jays quickly responded with a decisive scoring run. Etown poured in 14 points over the next stretch while holding Susquehanna to just nine, extending the lead and regaining momentum. At halftime, Etown held a 34–23 advantage.
The second half saw a dramatic shift in energy as Susquehanna increased its defensive intensity and pushed the tempo. The River Hawks gradually chipped away at the deficit, using efficient ball movement and timely baskets to keep pressure on the Blue Jays. Etown continued to find scoring opportunities, but the game tightened as the clock wound down.
With just under four minutes remaining, Susquehanna pulled within one point at 58–57, setting up a tense finish. Machado stepped to the free-throw line and converted the first attempt but missed the second, giving Etown a narrow two-point lead. Moments later, Susquehanna’s senior Jackson Van Wagener answered with a jumper to tie the game at 59–59.
The final minutes featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings. Susquehanna briefly took control, but with 90 seconds remaining, Machado knocked down a clutch three-pointer to put the Blue Jays back in front, 67–65. From there, the River Hawks attempted to extend the game by fouling, but Etown remained composed at the free-throw line.
Finnarelli, senior Ben Stanton and sophomore Crew Wells each converted crucial free throws down the stretch, sealing the Blue Jays’ 72–68 victory. The win highlighted Etown’s ability to combine a strong start with late-game execution, particularly in a challenging road environment.
The Blue Jays will continue their season against Drew at home on Feb. 4.
