Oswego, NY – In front of a lively crowd of 391 inside Max Ziel Gymnasium, SUNY Oswego battled conference rival SUNY Cortland to the final minutes before falling 65-58 in a heavyweight SUNYAC matchup Saturday afternoon.
 
BASICS 
Oswego: 58 (19-4, 13-3 SUNYAC)
Cortland: 65 (18-4, 14-1 SUNYAC)
Max Ziel Gymnasium | Oswego, NY
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Oswego showed resilience all evening, trimming a 10-point halftime deficit to as little as seven in the closing minute, but couldn't quite complete the comeback against the Red Dragons.

The Lakers found their rhythm offensively in the second half after shooting 31 percent in the opening 20 minutes. Trailing 32-22 at the break, Oswego erupted for 36 points in the second half behind the sharp shooting of Freddy Fowler. The freshman guard poured in 23 points a career high so far, knocking down five three-pointers and consistently delivering timely baskets to keep the pressure on Cortland.

Steven Bradley added 12 points, including three triples, while Jayson McGhee chipped in seven. Arthur Foster filled the stat sheet with six points and a team-high six assists, helping orchestrate an offense that shot almost 40 percent after halftime and connected on seven second-half three-pointers.

Oswego's push cut the deficit to 46-41 midway through the second half following a Fowler three, and later to 61-54 with just over a minute to play after Deacon Judd converted in transition. Each time the Lakers threatened, however, Cortland answered inside.

Despite being outshot overall, the Lakers forced 14 turnovers and generated 13 points off those miscues. Oswego also stayed within striking distance thanks to 10 three-pointers and improved free-throw shooting in the second half.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Lakers will remain home next weekend and take on the Fredonia Blue Devils on Friday February 20^th at 7:30 PM.