OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego State Women's Basketball (10-7, 6-5 SUNYAC) returned home this evening to tip-off against conference leader SUNY New Paltz (15-3, 10-1 SUNYAC). The Hawks kept the Lakers busy on defense this evening, but Oswego responded well, catching New Paltz off guard on multiple fast-break opportunities. Despite the Laker's persistent efforts throughout all four quarters, the Hawks were able to pull away with a 54-44 win on the road.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Oswego 44 (10-8, 6-6 SUNYAC), New Paltz 54 (16-3, 11-1 SUNYAC)
Location: Max Ziel Gymnasium | Oswego, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
From the tip-off, the Hawks kept the Lakers on their toes on defense. New Paltz would score the first points of the contest off a floating jump shot. Junior Guard Zhane Holmes answered with a jumper of her own and sank a deep three-pointer for Oswego to put the Lakers up 7-6 at 4:48. The Lakers settled in on defense and found rhythm on offense in the final minutes of the opening quarter. Shania Iglesias closed out the first quarter with two successful free-throw attempts for the Lakers, improving the scoreline to 10-9 in New Paltz's favor.
As the second quarter got underway both teams traded baskets, but the Hawks stripped Oswego of multiple layups and rebound opportunities. The Lakers' intense defensive efforts awarded New Paltz numerous free-throw opportunities, which they did not waste. Oswego headed into halftime trailing the Hawks 22-19.
New Paltz did not let up in the opening minutes of the third quarter, capitalizing on multiple 3-point chances and shutting the Lakers down on defense. The low-scoring nature of the first half persisted throughout the 3rd quarter until the Hawks began to mount an 11-point lead. Oswego held off New Paltz from scoring for the last two minutes, closing out the third quarter of play with the score standing at 37-26. The opening minute and a half of the final quarter remained scoreless until the joint offensive effort of Elaina Johnson's two successful free-throw attempts, and Sydney Hoefs' 5-point run shortened the Hawks' lead to 37-30 at the 8:31 mark. Two steals in the following minute from Senior Logan Castiglione resulted in a 5-point separation in the score. This did not last long, as New Paltz regained their 10-point lead in the closing minutes of play and pulled away with a 54-44 win on the road.
New Paltz forward Brianna Fitzgerald led the Hawks's offensive efforts this evening with a total of 18 points and 9 rebounds. For the Lakers, Junior Zhane Holmes dropped 19 points, and had 2 steals and 5 rebounds.
WHAT'S NEXT
This Friday, February 2nd, the Lakers will travel SUNY Plattsburgh to play against the Cardinals at 5:30 PM.
By: Matilda Pethrick
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