HOBOKEN, NJ - The Oswego State Men's Basketball team traveled to the Stevens Holiday Tournament, today playing the York College Spartans for a non-conference matchup.
THE BASICS
Oswego 71 (6-2, 2-0 SUNYAC)
York 78 (7-3, 0-0 MAC)
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology | Schaefer Athletic Center | Hoboken, NJ
HOW IT HAPPENED
Oswego won the tip-off, but York quickly set the tone with a three-pointer and layup, while the Lakers struggled to gain footing after being called for a moving pick and a travel. Deacon Judd finally put the Lakers on the board with a layup, followed by a jumper from Ahkee Anderson. However, York's relentless offense extended their lead to 14-4, prompting an Oswego timeout. Xavier Allen added a jumper upon returning, but the Spartans responded immediately, maintaining control. Despite Oswego's high energy, York's dominance on both ends of the court kept the Lakers trailing 22-6 with just over 11 minutes left in the half. Although Cole Kattan drew a foul after a York turnover, Oswego couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. The Spartans continued to widen their margin, but Anderson's three-pointer and contributions from Arthur Foster and Allen offered a glimmer of momentum for the Lakers. With York leading 33-18 and four and a half minutes remaining, Oswego called another timeout to regroup. Out of the huddle, Anderson sank a jumper, and Kattan followed with a three-pointer, cutting the deficit to 10. The Lakers kept fighting, as Kattan drew a contact foul to secure a possession, and Anderson added a late jumper. However, a controversial foul in the final moments gave York three free throws, closing the half with Oswego trailing 38-25.
York began the second half with possession, forcing a tough heave as the shot clock expired. Deacon Judd initiated the scoring for Oswego with two free throws after drawing a foul, followed by contributions from Cole Kattan and Billy Reyes. Despite these efforts, York steadily extended their lead, responding to each Lakers' basket with precision. A dunk by Gary McClane after a steal brought Oswego to 35 points, but the Spartans maintained their advantage at 53-35. The teams traded baskets in an energized stretch, including a three-pointer from Reyes that highlighted his shooting versatility. As the Lakers trailed 38-55 with 12 minutes remaining, Judd and Reyes continued to chip away at the deficit. Reyes' three consecutive three-pointers forced a York timeout, narrowing the gap to seven points with seven minutes to go. Despite increased fouls on both sides, Oswego stayed within reach as Judd's driving layup brought the score to 58-64 with five and a half minutes left. However, York's defense held firm, pushing their lead back to 10 points. A crucial three-pointer from Judd and a five-second violation on York reignited Oswego's momentum, but the Spartans answered with a three of their own. In the closing minutes, the Lakers fought valiantly with key plays from Reyes and Kattan, but York's successful free throws sealed the game. Despite their late surge, the Lakers couldn't fully overcome the early deficit, falling to York 71-78.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Oswego State Lakers will continue their play in the Stevens Holiday Tournament tomorrow, January 4th at 1:00 PM, against tournament host- Stevens Institute of Technology.
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