Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team put together a balanced offensive effort and came up with timely defensive stops down the stretch to earn a hard-fought 70–68 victory over the Utica University Pioneers on Tuesday night. With the win, the Wildcats move to 5-12 on the season. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Utica opened the scoring early in the first quarter, but SUNY Poly quickly settled in and responded behind Alysa Jackson. Jackson attacked the paint for multiple baskets, knocked down a three, and converted at the free-throw line to keep the Wildcats within striking distance. Alivia Turk provided an early spark off the bench with a three-pointer, while Amiyah Ferebee closed the quarter with a putback layup. Despite SUNY Poly briefly taking the lead late, Utica closed the period with back-to-back baskets to hold an 18–15 advantage after one.

The Wildcats found their rhythm offensively in the second quarter, trading baskets with the Pioneers in a fast-paced stretch. Jackson continued to lead the way with strong finishes inside, while Turk and Kelsey Meca each connected from beyond the arc. SUNY Poly erased multiple deficits and eventually pulled ahead behind a late three from Kayla Wilson in the final seconds, heading into halftime with a 41–37 lead.

SUNY Poly carried that momentum into the third quarter, opening with consecutive layups from Jackson to extend the lead. Bryanna Lucas added a bucket and a free throw during a strong interior stretch, but Utica answered with timely shooting to keep the game close. Defensive plays from Sanaa Lee in the paint helped steady the Wildcats, and Lee capped the quarter with back-to-back baskets to give SUNY Poly a narrow 56–54 edge heading into the final ten minutes.

The fourth quarter featured intense back-and-forth action as neither team was able to pull away. Ferebee opened the scoring with a layup, and Turk added two key free throws to keep SUNY Poly in front. Wilson and Jackson combined for critical baskets in the paint midway through the quarter, while Lee added another strong finish inside to push the Wildcats' lead to eight. Utica made a late push with perimeter shooting and interior scores, but SUNY Poly remained composed at the line. Jackson and Lucas each converted crucial free throws in the final minute to hold off the rally and seal the 70–68 victory.