Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team fell to Alfred University, 67–37, on Friday night, dropping their season record to 3-7.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Alfred set the tone early in the first quarter, capitalizing on SUNY Poly misses and turnovers to build momentum. Nelly Mbugeni opened the scoring with a pair of layups, including a fastbreak finish, as the Saxons established control in transition. SUNY Poly struggled to find an offensive rhythm, managing a jumper from Alysa Jackson and a free throw from Alivia Turk. Libby Benner provided a spark for Alfred, knocking down multiple three-pointers, while Ashaya Wallace added a late triple to stretch the lead. Alfred closed the opening frame ahead 17–4.
The second quarter saw Alfred continue to widen the gap behind balanced scoring and pressure defense. Sanaa Lee scored an early basket while Isabella Kroll added a jumper and later connected on a three-pointer to briefly spark the Wildcats. However, Alfred answered with perimeter shooting from Natalee Collins, Benner, and Kate Quinn, along with fastbreak points from Wallace. SUNY Poly found some success late in the half with an inside bucket from Turk, but Alfred carried a commanding 32–16 advantage into halftime.
SUNY Poly showed renewed energy coming out of the break. Kayla Wilson opened the third quarter with a jumper, and Lee added a layup in the paint as the Wildcats tried to chip away at the deficit. Wilson later buried a three-pointer to bring SUNY Poly within striking distance. Alfred responded quickly, using steals and transition offense to regain momentum. Jaidyn Chest fueled a decisive run with a three-pointer, multiple fastbreak layups, and a free throw, while Wallace added another triple. Alfred outscored SUNY Poly 22–11 in the quarter to take a 54–27 lead into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, SUNY Poly continued to battle despite the scoreline. Jackson scored on a jumper and later added a layup in the closing seconds, while Rebeckah Tittle and Kirsten Lighthall chipped in from the free-throw line. Alfred remained steady, getting a three from Benner, another from Chest, and points in the paint to maintain control. The Saxons closed out the game at the line and through disciplined defense, securing the 67–37 victory.
