The #4 ranked Mohawk Valley Hawks took on 2-0 Clinton Community College on Tuesday night, in their season opener on the campus of Mohawk Valley Community College.

In the opening minutes, the Hawks and Cougars battled in a back in forth affair with impressive defense being played on both ends of the floor. 

Jalen Bradberry led the first half charge for the Hawks with 10 first half points, and Clintons Elijah Carroll led the way for the Cougars with 8 first half points. 

Going into the half, Clinton held a a 27-24 lead. 

In the second half, the Cougars came out strong and the Hawks matched their intensity, but some long range shooting by RJ Turner (Clinton) gave the Hawks a 12 point lead going into the final 10 minutes of the game, causing the Hawks to call a timeout and talk things over. 

A steal and highlight reel dunk by Hawks freshman forward Isaiah Earl, and a few transition finishes by Lateef Johnson cut into the Cougar lead and put Mohawk Valley in position to make a run in the final 5 minutes. 

Tyruse Boock was impressive for Mohawk over that final stretch scoring 14 second half points, and buckets off of steals by Jaquan Gordon and DeKwan Grant, saw the Hawks tie the game with just 5 seconds remaining. 

With the score tied, Clintons Elijah Carroll drove the ball coast to coast and shot a runner high up into the air and in to give the Cougars the victory and improve Clinton to 3-0 on the season. With the loss the #6 Hawks drop to 0-1 on the year.

"We are obviously not happy with the outcome, but simply put we just never were really able to get into a rhythym tonight. I thought we defended well, but we just didn't play Mohawk Valley basketball tonight on the offensive end especially. But, Kudos to Clinton for the win. I think region 3 is going to be a war this year, with a number of different teams that have improved and added some very talented players. We believe we have what it takes to make another run this year, and we have alot of work to do and were up for the challenge. The injury bug has hit us early obviously, but that no excuse, as we have everything we need to compete at a much higher level then we did tonight. We are ready and excited for the challenge" - Coach Fuller said following the loss. 

The Hawks will be back in action Saturday afternoon as they take on Hudson Valley Community College at 1:00 PM.