Utica, N.Y. — The SUNY Poly men's basketball team put together a complete offensive performance on Friday night, shooting over 80 percent from the floor and pulling away in the second half to earn a 103–90 victory over SUNY Geneseo. The win moves the Wildcats to 11-3 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The opening half was a tightly contested, fast-paced battle with both teams attacking the paint early. Geneseo scored the first basket of the night, but SUNY Poly quickly answered behind Brian Bonin and Anthony Rose. Rose was aggressive early, scoring multiple times inside to keep the Wildcats within striking distance as the teams traded baskets through the first 10 minutes.
Geneseo briefly gained momentum midway through the half, using interior scoring and transition opportunities to build a small cushion. The Wildcats responded with strong defensive plays and timely shooting. William Scanlon knocked down a three-pointer, Steven Dowdall added a triple of his own, and Marqiis Samuels provided energy in the paint to slow the Geneseo run.
As the half wore on, SUNY Poly began to find its rhythm offensively. Oumaru Hydara sparked a surge with a three-pointer and several finishes at the rim, while Rose capped a fastbreak with a dunk to give the Wildcats their largest lead of the half. Hydara continued to deliver late, scoring nine points in the final five minutes, including back-to-back three-pointers, as SUNY Poly closed the half strong.
Despite the late push, Geneseo converted a layup in the final seconds to send the teams into the locker room tied at 49–49.
SUNY Poly came out of the break with renewed energy and control. Rose opened the second half with a jumper, and Kamryn Comstock quickly followed with a layup and a three-pointer to give the Wildcats momentum. SUNY Poly strung together stops on the defensive end and turned them into efficient offense, pushing the lead to nine within the first five minutes of the half.
The Wildcats continued to build separation behind strong ball movement and consistent finishing. Samuels dominated in the paint, Comstock attacked off the dribble, and Bonin knocked down mid-range jumpers as SUNY Poly extended the advantage into double digits. Hydara and Scanlon connected on key three-pointers during a decisive stretch that pushed the lead to as many as 17.
Geneseo attempted to respond with perimeter shooting and transition baskets, but SUNY Poly consistently answered. Rose scored repeatedly inside, Hydara finished on the break, and Comstock added a late three to maintain control. Down the stretch, the Wildcats sealed the win at the free-throw line, scoring 17 points in the final five minutes to put the game away.
SUNY Poly finished the night with five players scoring in double figures and 22 assists, showcasing its depth and offensive balance in the 103–90 win.
"On a night where our defense was not up to the standard it was great to get a big-time offensive performance!" said head coach Rob Schoener. "5 guys in double figures and 22 assists. We've gotta be able to win a bunch of different ways and tonight we found a way."
