La Plume, P.A. - The SUNY Poly women's basketball team earned a gritty 37–36 win over the Cedar Crest College Falcons on Saturday afternoon, pulling out on top of  a defensive battle in the final minutes to secure their second straight victory. The Wildcats are now 2-1 on the season. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

SUNY Poly came out aggressive and took control early. Bryanna Lucas opened the scoring with an interior layup and added a pair of mid-range jumpers, while Alivia Turk, and later Alysa Jackson knocked down free throws to help the Wildcats build an 8–2 lead late in the first quarter.

Cedar Crest fought back in the second quarter, chipping away with layups and timely free throws from Brooke Leonardi and teammates. However, baskets from Kayla Wilson, Lucas and Jackson kept the Wildcats ahead, giving them an 18-11 lead going into halftime. 

The third quarter remained tightly contested. Jackson provided a lift for SUNY Poly, converting on transition chances and creating scoring opportunities for teammates, while Sanaa Lee anchored things inside with multiple blocks and boards. Cedar Crest answered with timely triples from Ella BinCarosky and inside finishes from Samora Merchant, and would give the Falcons a four point advantage heading into the final frame. 

The final period was low-scoring and played with tremendous urgency. Jackson's drive and layup late in the fourth gave SUNY Poly a two-point cushion at 37–35. Cedar Crest's Analyse Rios converted a crucial free throw to pull her team within one, but the Wildcats' defense forced the final stop and secured the one-point win. 

UP NEXT: 

The Wildcats will be at home for a battle with the SUNY Canton Kangaroos on November 18th at 6:00 P.M.