POTSDAM, NY – The Oswego State Women's Basketball Team hit the road to take on the SUNY Potsdam Bears in a conference matchup. The Lakers set the tone early and never looked back, using strong defensive play and balanced scoring to earn a commanding 60-39 win.
THE BASICS
Oswego 60 (8-10, 6-6 SUNYAC)
Potsdam 39 (3-16, 2-10 SUNYAC)
Jerry Welsh Gymnasium | Potsdam, NY
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lakers opened the game strong, striking first with a layup from Zhane Holmes just a minute in. Potsdam looked to respond, but Oswego's defense was relentless, forcing two steals before the Bears could even get a shot off. Three minutes into the quarter, the Lakers led 8-0 behind scoring from Sarah Hirschler, who added a free throw, and Giavanna White-Principio, who contributed two layups and a free throw of her own. Potsdam finally got on the board midway through the quarter with a free throw, but still trailed behind. The Lakers' momentum continued to build as they controlled both ends of the court and closed out the first quarter with a commanding 15-4 lead.
Potsdam returned to the court looking more settled, keeping pace with the Lakers early in the second quarter. After several scoreless possessions on both sides, the Bears cut into the Lakers' lead with a three-pointer and a layup to make it 15-8. Oswego responded by spreading the floor and moving the ball efficiently, capping off a smooth possession with a three-pointer from Delaney Wiley. Midway through the quarter, Giavanna White-Principio continued her dominant performance, reaching nine points after converting a layup off a well-timed pass from Z. Holmes. Potsdam called a timeout following a two-and-a-half-minute scoring drought that ended with a deep three from Jena Russo, putting Oswego ahead 23-8. G. White-Principio added another layup, the Bears responded with a three-pointer, and J. Russo followed with a layup of her own before Potsdam closed the quarter with a basket to send Oswego into halftime leading 27-13.
Potsdam opened the second half with a quick layup, but Oswego immediately answered with one of their own from G. White-Principio. A minute later, G. White-Principio drew a foul and sank both free throws, followed by a jumper from S. Hirschler. G. White-Principio then went back to the line and converted another pair of free throws to extend the lead to 35-15. The intensity on the court continued to rise as Potsdam fought to close the gap while the Lakers remained determined to hold control. Midway through the quarter, Oswego led 42-15 after a series of layups and a free throw. The Bears managed to add a layup and two free throws before Madison Aikens scored down low for the Lakers. Oswego dominantly closed the third quarter, leading 47-21.
Oswego opened the fourth quarter as J. Russo sank a behind-the-back layup following a Potsdam turnover. A minute later, M. Aikens added a jumper to extend the Lakers' lead. Three and a half minutes into the quarter, the Bears scored their first basket, but J. Russo quickly answered with another layup, bringing her game total to nine points. With just under five minutes remaining, Oswego called a timeout while holding a 53-28 advantage. In the final stretch, the Lakers continued to execute on both ends of the court, with Bri Weaver and Kayla McCraith each contributing layups and Madison McEvory knocking down a three-pointer. Oswego closed out the game with a convincing 60-39 victory.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Oswego State Women's Basketball Team will return home for a conference matchup on Tuesday, February 3rd, when they host SUNY New Paltz, with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 PM.
Written by Jillian Kraus
@OswegoAthletics | FB: OswegoAthleticsOfficial | IG: oswegoathletics
