The Laker women's basketball team pulled away in the second half and defeated New Paltz 71-51 on Friday at Max Ziel Gymnasium in Oswego.

Oswego State led by five points at halftime but held the Hawks to just seven field goals in the second half en route to a 20-point victory.

The Lakers jumped out to a fast start as they scored on their first five possessions to build an 11-4 lead but New Paltz kept it close for the first half.

Oswego State came out of the locker room in the second half and scored the first nine points to stretch the lead to 14, and the lead grew as large as 23 points.

Sarah Lombard led the Lakers with 19 points despite playing just 18 minutes. Lombard also added six rebounds. Kelly Mraz had 12 points and seven assists. Jessica Tremblay and Alaina Hannahs were the leading rebounders with eight boards each on a night when 11 different Laker players scored at least one point.

Kristen Jackson led New Paltz with 12 points and Christine Trupiano had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Oswego State is now 16-5 overall and 11-2 in the SUNYAC. New Paltz fell to 9-13 overall and 3-10 in the league. The Lakers host Oneonta in a battle for second place on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Max Ziel Gymnasium.