Rochester, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team battled through a physical, high-tempo contest but ultimately fell to Nazareth University, 66–41, on Saturday afternoon. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

SUNY Poly came out aggressive to open the first quarter, scoring the game's first four points on layups from Kayla Wilson and Alysa Jackson. The Wildcats looked to establish themselves in the paint early, with Jackson attacking off the dribble and Sanaa Lee making her presence felt defensively with multiple blocks. Alivia Turk provided a spark with a pair of midrange baskets, and SUNY Poly briefly took the lead following a fastbreak layup by Jackson. However, Nazareth closed the quarter strong with a late three-pointer and free throws, edging ahead 15–14 at the end of one.

The second quarter featured several lead changes as SUNY Poly continued to rely on Jackson's scoring inside and active defense from Lee, who recorded multiple blocks and rebounds. Jackson tied the game with a three-pointer midway through the quarter and later converted at the line to give the Wildcats a brief advantage. Nazareth responded with timely perimeter shooting and transition buckets in the final minutes, closing the half on a run to take a 29–24 lead into the break.

Nazareth seized momentum in the third quarter, opening with consistent scoring in the paint and from beyond the arc. SUNY Poly found points at the free-throw line from Jackson and continued to generate stops with strong rebounding efforts from Kelsey Meca and Wilson, but the Golden Flyers' offensive efficiency proved difficult to slow. Nazareth stretched the lead behind a balanced attack and closed the quarter with a flurry, pushing the advantage to 51–28 heading into the final ten minutes.

The Wildcats showed resilience in the fourth quarter, continuing to compete on both ends of the floor. Wilson finished strong at the rim on multiple possessions, while Amiyah Ferebee and Jackson added baskets inside. Jackson capped a late stretch with a series of second-chance points and free throws as SUNY Poly worked to cut into the deficit. Despite the effort, Nazareth maintained control down the stretch and secured the 66–41 victory.