Canton, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly women's basketball team suffered a 70-40 defeat to the SUNY Canton Kangaroos. Freshman Sanaa Lee showcased her defensive prowess, recording 10 rebounds and blocking 5 shots. The Wildcats now sit at 3-17 on the season.
The game got off to a slow start, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm early on. SUNY Canton was the first to strike, as Sierra Pabo hit a jumper to give the Kangaroos an early lead. The Wildcats responded with baskets from Alivia Turk and Alysa Jackson, but Canton quickly went on a run, extending their advantage with a three-pointer and a layup to make it 15-7. Jackson answered with free throws and a layup to cut the lead to 15-9, but SUNY Canton closed out the first quarter with a 22-13 lead.
The second quarter began with turnovers on both sides, but the Kangaroos capitalized on Poly's mistakes, building a 28-13 lead. Despite several steals and turnovers from both teams, SUNY Canton continued to extend their advantage. Wildcat Kate Donnelly hit a three-pointer late in the quarter to narrow the gap, but a final layup from Bartle gave the Kangaroos a commanding 22-point lead at halftime.
Poly came out strong in the second half with a quick layup from Lee, but Canton responded with a layup from Kat McRobbie-Taru and a fastbreak bucket from Natalie Bartle. The Wildcats kept battling, with Lee scoring multiple times in the paint and Faith Wagner hitting a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 42-25. However, Canton maintained a comfortable cushion with consistent scoring. Despite some turnovers and missed shots from both teams, the Kangaroos controlled the game. Poly made a late push, with Donnelly hitting another three and Alana Jackson adding a layup, but Canton countered with a three-pointer from Bartle, keeping their 17-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final frame, Poly struggled to generate much offense, as turnovers and missed shots allowed Canton to take control. The Kangaroos capitalized on these opportunities with fastbreaks and efficient scoring. Although Kirsten Lighthall contributed a few late points for the Wildcats, Canton's offense was too much to overcome. The game ended with SUNY Canton securing a 70-40 victory.
