Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's basketball team was defeated by the Utica University Pioneers, 89-76, in the Empire 8 Championship game. Senior Cheickne Toure led the Wildcats with 25 points, while Kamryn Comstock added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Wildcats capped off an impressive first season in the Empire 8 with an 18-10 record.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with Wildcat Kamryn Comstock scoring the first points on a layup in the paint, but Utica quickly took control behind a pair of free throws and a three-pointer from Jordan Cain.
SUNY Poly's offense came alive with Daimarr Miller, who hit a three-pointer and provided an assist on another bucket, helping the Wildcats maintain a slim early lead. Both teams were active defensively, creating turnovers and stealing possessions. Lamarqus Merchant Jr. and Anthony Rose played key roles, turning defense into offense. Merchant Jr. scored on a fastbreak layup, while Rose hit a jumper to keep the game close.
Midway through the first half, Utica began to pull away. Damien Call's strong play in the paint helped Utica build a 24-18 lead. Isaiah Teague also contributed timely jumpers, and Utica's aggressive defense forced more turnovers, turning them into fastbreak points. Despite a few key buckets from Cheickne Toure, including a three-pointer, Utica's consistent scoring allowed the Pioneers to stretch their lead to double digits.
SUNY Poly fought to stay within reach, with several offensive rebounds and a tip-in from Toure, but Utica's well-rounded offensive attack and stifling defense gave them a 56-37 lead at halftime.
The second half opened with the Pioneers pushing the pace, with Call scoring a fastbreak layup to extend the lead to 58-37 just seconds into the half. The Wildcats struggled with their shooting early, missing several layups and jumpers, but continued to fight back with strong defensive plays and rebounding efforts.
Midway through the second half, Comstock hit a jumper, and later added a tip-in to narrow the gap. Despite their shooting woes, the Wildcats maintained their intensity. Toure kept the pressure on Utica with fastbreak plays and key free throws, including one that made it 58-71 and another that kept the score at 69-80. Rose also battled under the rim, providing a spark with his physical play.
As the game progressed, the Wildcats continued to fight. With just over six minutes remaining, Merchant Jr. knocked down a three-pointer to make it 78-67. The Wildcats had their chances to close the gap, but each time Utica responded.
Though the Wildcats continued to convert shots down the stretch, they couldn't string together enough defensive stops. Utica controlled the final minutes, eventually closing out the game with an 89-76 victory.
"I want to start by thanking SUNY Poly!" said head coach Rob Schoener. "Our people showed up in force today to support us; what a great environment! I loved coaching this group and am so proud of them. Today didn't go our way, but we showed this season that we belong with the best teams in the Empire 8!"
