Utica, N.Y. — The SUNY Poly men's basketball team saw its season come to a close Saturday afternoon, falling to SUNY Brockport, 84–75, in an Empire 8 Tournament matchup. The Wildcats eat their season with a final record of 18-8.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
SUNY Poly came out firing from beyond the arc in the opening minutes. Brian Bonin opened the scoring with a jumper before William Scanlon and Kamryn Comstock connected on early three-pointers to give the Wildcats an 11–5 advantage. Bonin was active on both ends, controlling the glass and facilitating, while Comstock knocked down multiple threes to help SUNY Poly build momentum.
Brockport answered behind strong interior play from Pharell Aybar and Cameron Pownall. The Golden Eagles chipped away at the deficit with second-chance opportunities and paint scoring, eventually tying the game at 39–39 late in the half after an Omar White fastbreak dunk. SUNY Poly received a late bucket from Bonin, but the teams entered the break deadlocked after an up-and-down opening 20 minutes.
Out of halftime, Brockport seized control. Pownall and Jacob Oka established a presence in the paint, combining for several early baskets to spark a 15–2 run. Ajani Flemming added a three-pointer during the stretch, pushing the Golden Eagles' lead to double digits.
SUNY Poly battled back midway through the second half. Anthony Rose ignited the Wildcats with a pair of fastbreak dunks, while Comstock converted free throws and Bonin came up with key steals to trim the margin to 62–52 with just under 10 minutes to play.
However, each SUNY Poly push was met with a response. Oka scored repeatedly inside, finishing through contact and converting at the line, while Flemming drilled another three to keep Brockport in front. The Golden Eagles extended their lead to as many as 18 before the Wildcats mounted one final charge.
Rose continued to attack the rim in the closing minutes, scoring on consecutive drives and completing a three-point play to cut the deficit to single digits. Bonin added a late three-pointer with under a minute to go, but Brockport sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure the 84–75 victory.
There is nothing to really prepare you for the last game," said head coach Rob Schoener. "A lot of credit to Brockport, they are playing great at the right time of year and will be a tough out. I'm so proud of my guys, this was a really awesome group to be around everyday. Thank you to our fans, you were tremendous all season!
