CANTON, NY – The Oswego State Men's Basketball Team traveled to SUNY Canton for an intense conference matchup against the Kangaroos. In a back-and-forth contest that went into overtime, the Lakers battled hard and held on to secure a thrilling 103-97 victory on the road.
THE BASICS
Oswego 103 (18-3, 12-2 SUNYAC)
Canton 97 (4-17, 3-11 SUNYAC)
SUNY Canton | Canton, NY
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lakers won the opening tip-off, and Arthur Foster wasted no time putting Oswego on the board with a layup. Canton answered with a three-pointer, but Foster responded again with another drive to the basket. Both teams came out energetic, trading possessions and baskets early. Three minutes in, the Lakers trailed 6-10 and called a timeout shortly after as the Kangaroos extended their lead to 12-6. Steven Bradley knocked down a three-pointer, and Deacon Judd followed with a jumper to bring Oswego within one, 11-12. Canton found its rhythm again, building its lead to 25-16 midway through the half before the Lakers began to claw back, closing the gap to 23-27. A three-pointer from Jayson McGhee tied the game at 33-33 with just over four minutes remaining. In the final minutes, Judd drew a foul and sank both free throws to give the Lakers their first lead since the opening minutes, 40-38. Foster added another layup before Canton responded with two free throws, but Oswego held strong to close the half ahead 46-41.
The second half opened with both teams trading baskets as Oswego worked to maintain their 48-43 lead. Three minutes in, Patrick Emling banked a three-pointer, only for Canton to respond and bring the score within one, 52-51. Chris Whyte-Luciano extended the lead for the Lakers with a three, but the Kangaroos quickly tied it at 55-55. After Canton briefly regained the lead, Oswego fought back, with Emling hitting a layup and Jayson McGhee sinking two three-pointers to push the Lakers ahead 64-62. The teams continued to exchange points, with Oswego stretching the lead to 75-68 before Canton hit a three, quickly answered by McGhee, putting the Lakers ahead 78-71 with six and a half minutes remaining. With four minutes remaining in the second half, Deacon Judd fouled out. Canton closed the gap to one possession late, 84-83, and Oswego led 88-85 with seven seconds left, but a clutch three-pointer from the Roos sent the game into overtime, tied at 88-88.
In overtime, the intensity remained high as both teams traded baskets early, knotted at 90-90. Steven Bradley converted two free throws to give Oswego a brief lead, but Canton tied it again before Arthur Foster's tip-in put the Lakers ahead once more. Oswego then extended the lead with key layups and free throws from Foster and teammates, ultimately holding on through the final frantic 20 seconds of fouls and free throws to secure a thrilling 103-97 win.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Oswego State Men's Basketball Team will return home on Friday, February 13th, for a conference matchup against SUNY Morrisville. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Written by Jillian Kraus
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