Utica, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly men's basketball team secured their first conference win of the season after defeating the SUNY Geneseo Knights by a score of 85-75. Daimarr Miller led the charge for the Wildcats, scoring 23 points on 50% shooting. The win lifts the wildcats record to 6-4 on the season. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The first few minutes were competitive, with both teams trading baskets. Anthony Rose's jumper in the paint and a three-pointer from Cheickne Toure helped the Wildcats establish a slight lead, 8-5.The Knights kept it close with strong performances from Sebastian Pacheco and Trevor Hofer, who scored on multiple drives to the basket. Tied at 18-18, the Wildcats would string together a few baskets, taking a slight lead as the end of the half approached. After a quick run from the Knights to make it a one point game, SUNY Poly would close the half strong with a dunk by Kamryn Comstock and a three-pointer by Rose, giving the Wildcats a 40-35 lead heading into halftime.

The game was tight early in the second half, with both teams exchanging baskets. A few turnovers and missed opportunities on both sides kept the game close, but the Wildcats shooting began to heat up. Key three-pointers from Anthony Rose, William Scanlon, and Daimarr Miller helped Poly stretch their advantage to double digits by the 5-minute mark. Geneseo would fight back, However, SUNY Poly's defense and timely shooting would keep Geneseo at bay. Despite some late efforts by Geneseo, it was the Wildcats consistent scoring and defensive plays that sealed the 85-75 win. 


"We've been telling the guys all week that league play is a different animal, said head coach Rob Schoener.  "Geneseo is very well coached and runs a great offense. I am proud of how our guys answered the challenge today."  We just have to keep improving."