CANTON, NY – The Oswego State Women's Basketball Team hit the road to face SUNY Canton in a conference matchup. The Lakers maintained control throughout the game, holding off a late push from the Kangaroos to secure a 65-58 victory.
THE BASICS
Oswego 65 (9-11, 7-7 SUNYAC)
Canton 58 (16-5, 9-5 SUNYAC)
SUNY Canton | Canton, NY
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lakers opened the game with Madison Guillory drawing a foul and sinking both free throws to get Oswego on the board. Canton responded with a free throw and a three-pointer to take an early 4-2 lead, but the Lakers quickly regained control with a jumper from Sarah Hirschler and a layup from M. Guillory. The Kangaroos answered with a jumper to tie it at 6-6 before both teams went scoreless for nearly two minutes. Giavanna White-Principio ended the drought with a layup, though Canton immediately matched it to keep the game even. Bri Weaver knocked down a jumper, and Hirschler added two more from the line as Oswego began to pull ahead. The teams traded baskets to close out the quarter, with the Lakers leading 18-12 after the first.
The Lakers carried their momentum into the second quarter, opening with a steal that led to a quick layup and an eight-point lead at 20-12. Oswego continued to push the pace, attacking the basket and keeping Canton's offense in check with strong defensive play. After a brief exchange of baskets, the Kangaroos found some rhythm, cutting the deficit to 22-19 with a free throw and a layup. The Lakers quickly regained control as B. Weaver sank back-to-back layups, followed by a layup from Sydney Hoefs and a three-pointer from Semaiah Williams to stretch the lead to 31-21. Oswego maintained steady control for the remainder of the quarter and headed into halftime leading 36-29.
Canton opened the third quarter with a quick jumper to trim Oswego's lead to five, but Giavanna White-Principio answered with a three-pointer to keep the Lakers in front. The Kangaroos responded with a three of their own, prompting a timeout with the score at 39-34. The pace intensified as both teams traded baskets, keeping the Lakers ahead 45-40. Determined to pull away, Oswego rebuilt its lead with buckets from G. White-Principio and B. Weaver, stretching the margin to nine points before calling a timeout. Returning to the floor with renewed energy, the Lakers continued their momentum as G. White-Principio added a tip-in and Zhane Holmes followed with a layup to make it 53-40. Canton closed the quarter with a three-pointer, but Oswego maintained control, heading into the final frame up 53-47.
The fourth quarter opened with several scoreless possessions on both sides before the Lakers found their rhythm, adding two baskets to extend their lead back to ten at 57-47. As the clock wound down, the intensity ramped up, and with just under five minutes remaining, Canton cut the deficit to 59-53. Oswego called a timeout to regroup, but the Kangaroos continued to battle, closing the gap to three after a free throw and a tip-in. With a minute and a half left, the Lakers responded with a layup to create some breathing room. The final minute was fast-paced and physical, marked by rushed possessions and fouls as Oswego fought to maintain control. S. Hoefs calmly sank two free throws with twenty seconds remaining, followed by another from G. White-Principio to extend the lead to 64-57. Despite late pressure from the Kangaroos, the Lakers held firm to secure a 65-58 victory.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Oswego State Women's Basketball Team will return home on Tuesday, February 10th, for a non-conference matchup against Houghton University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM.
Written by Jillian Kraus
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