Keuka, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's basketball team was narrowly defeated by the Keuka College Wolves, 65-63. Anthony Rose led the Wildcats with 24 points and 8 rebounds in the tough loss. The Wildcats are now 15-8 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Keuka struck first with a layup from Makya Morrison, but SUNY Poly quickly answered with a layup from Jarrett Wilbur and a 3-pointer from Daimarr Miller. The teams exchanged turnovers, steals, and missed shots, with both sides showing strong defensive play. Morrison continued to lead Keuka, keeping the game tight with key baskets.
SUNY Poly gained some momentum when Anthony Rose capitalized on a fast break, followed by a clutch 3-pointer from Miller. Keuka responded with a series of strong plays, including back-to-back baskets from Ty Labarge and Marcus Reed, helping them maintain the lead as the game progressed. In the final minutes of the first half, Dylan Ernst hit two free throws, but Keuka countered with layups from Reed and Jaden Keasey, expanding their lead. Despite a last-second 3-pointer from Miller, Keuka finished the half with a solid 34-28 advantage.
The second half saw both teams battling for control. The Wildcats came out strong, with Rose scoring multiple layups, including one that put them ahead 54-52. However, Keuka quickly regained the lead with a three-pointer from Akinlana Popoola and a layup from Keasey, making it 55-54. The teams continued to trade baskets, with William Scanlon hitting a key three-pointer to put SUNY Poly up 61-60 with just under four minutes left.
As the clock wound down, Keuka's Marcus Reed made a late layup to give his team a 63-61 lead. Despite the Wildcats' best efforts, including a strong performance from Rose, SUNY Poly couldn't regain the advantage. Keuka sealed the victory with free throws in the final seconds, securing a 65-63 win.
"Tough one tonight, said head coach Rob Schoener. "Give Keuka a lot of credit; they played with great urgency and emotion. We did not play very well, but still had our chances down the stretch. We have to bounce back tomorrow afternoon at Elmira!"
