Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's basketball team triumphed over the Alfred Saxons, 67-63, in an intense overtime battle. LaMarqus Merchant Jr. led the Wildcats with 22 points, while Anthony Rose contributed 21. The win boosts the Wildcats' record to 8-6 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After Alfred missed the opening shot, SUNY Poly quickly took the lead with a three-pointer from Cheickne Toure. Both teams struggled with turnovers early, but Alfred capitalized on a few Wildcats' mistakes to build a small lead. With just under 12 minutes to play in the first half, Alfred extended their lead to 19-13 with a three-pointer.
The Wildcats responded with key layups and jumpers from Merchant Jr. and Rose, bringing them within three points. A quick scoring run gave SUNY Poly a slight lead. Both teams would trade baskets in the closing minutes. However, it was the Wildcats who headed into halftime on top, 31-28.
The second half saw the Wildcats take control early, stretching their lead to eight points after a layup by Rose and a three-pointer from Merchant Jr. Alfred cut the deficit to five at 46-51, but SUNY Poly answered with plays from Rose, Merchant Jr., and Toure.In the final minute, Alfred capitalized on missed shots by the Wildcats and a key free throw, taking a two-point lead with 19 seconds remaining. Merchant Jr. quickly responded, sending the game to overtime.
In overtime, Merchant Jr. gave SUNY Poly a 59-57 lead with a fastbreak layup, but Alfred quickly responded with a game-tying layup. Despite several chances to reclaim the lead, the Wildcats' defense held firm. With under a minute remaining, Merchant Jr. made another crucial layup to make it 63-59. Alfred responded with a quick layup to make it 63-61, but Rose sealed the victory for SUNY Poly, scoring a clutch layup and two key free throws to close out the game at 67-63.
I am proud of my guys!, said head coach Rob Schoener. "To win in that fashion says a lot about our guys' grit & toughness!. We defended much better tonight, we just have to stay committed to getting better everyday."