Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team showed flashes of momentum, but could not overcome a strong start from SUNY Geneseo, falling 65–44 at home.  The Wildcats move to 3–10 on the season with the defeat.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Geneseo set the tone early, using transition offense to build a quick lead in the opening quarter. SUNY Poly found its footing midway through the frame behind back-to-back three-pointers from Kelsey Meca and Alysa Jackson, followed by another from Alivia Turk to pull within two. Despite the Wildcats' perimeter surge, Geneseo closed the quarter on a run fueled by fastbreak layups to take a 20–11 advantage after one.

The Knights carried that momentum into the second quarter, stretching the lead to double digits. Turk and Kayla Wilson provided scoring for SUNY Poly, each converting inside and from beyond the arc, but Geneseo answered with efficient play in the paint. Wilson knocked down a pair of threes to keep the Wildcats within range, yet the hosts used a late push to head into halftime with a 41–21 lead.

SUNY Poly responded out of the break with one of its best stretches of the game. Bryanna Lucas opened the third quarter with a strong finish inside, and Meca followed with a three and an old-fashioned three-point play to spark a rally. Turk connected on consecutive triples, and Isabella Kroll added one of her own as the Wildcats trimmed the deficit to 52–42 entering the fourth.

Geneseo regained control early in the final period, knocking down timely shots from deep while limiting SUNY Poly's opportunities on the offensive end. Sanaa Lee scored in the paint and the Wildcats continued to battle defensively, but the Knights capitalized on second-chance points and transition opportunities to pull away. Despite a late push, SUNY Poly was unable to close the gap as Geneseo secured the 65–44 victory.