Troy, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's basketball team secured an 85-69 victory over the Russell Sage College Gators. Cheickne Toure led the charge for the Wildcats, scoring 29 points on 10-of-15 shooting, while Kamryn Comstock recorded a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. With the win, the Wildcats improve to 14-7 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Wildcats came out strong, with Daimarr Miller hitting an early three-pointer to give them a 3-0 lead. Russell Sage quickly answered, as Will Ruiz converted a layup to make it 3-2. However, SUNY Poly regained control with Cheickne Toure draining a three-pointer, followed by a fast-break layup to push the Wildcats' lead to 10-4. Despite a few strong plays from the Gators, including a layup by Noah Girard and several offensive rebounds, SUNY Poly continued to extend their advantage.
Miller added another three-pointer, while Toure remained a force in the paint with a layup and jumper, keeping the Wildcats ahead. Russell Sage kept it close, with contributions from Will Ruiz and Ivan Oduro-Dompreh, but the Wildcats continued to respond. After a dunk from Anthony Rose, SUNY Poly stretched their lead to 45-36 at halftime.
The second half opened with back-and-forth play, but SUNY Poly never lost control. After a turnover by Russell Sage, Kamryn Comstock capitalized with a quick layup, increasing the Wildcats' lead to 47-36. The Gators tried to close the gap, but key moments from the Wildcats kept them at bay. A three-pointer from Toure at the 17-minute mark pushed the lead back to double digits, and the Wildcats' defense, highlighted by key steals and defensive rebounds, helped maintain their lead.
Daimarr Miller continued to shine, contributing a jumper and assisting on Toure's fast-break three-pointer that made it 61-46. Russell Sage attempted to respond, with strong play from Williamson, but SUNY Poly's offense kept firing. Comstock's layup at 7:27 put the Wildcats ahead 70-55, and Russell Sage was unable to mount a serious comeback.
As the game wore on, SUNY Poly's balanced offense and stifling defense kept the Gators at arm's length. Free throws from Comstock and a fast-break layup by Miller helped extend the lead, and the Wildcats closed out a dominant 85-69 victory.
"Sage is a tough place to play," said head coach Rob Schoener. "I'm always happy to get out of there with a win. It was a solid effort on both ends of the floor. We're excited to get back home in the Field House tomorrow afternoon for Senior Day!"
