Utica, N.Y. — The SUNY Poly men's basketball team put together a strong all-around effort on Senior Day, using a fast start and sustained pressure to earn an 83–71 victory over the Alfred University Saxons on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Wildcats improve to 17-5 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
SUNY Poly wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as William Scanlon answered an early Alfred three with one of his own to settle the Wildcats offensively. Anthony Rose, Marqiis Samuels, and Kamryn Comstock attacked the paint early, while SUNY Poly's defense forced turnovers that led to transition chances. After some back-and-forth in the opening minutes, the Wildcats began to find their rhythm.
Midway through the first half, SUNY Poly leaned into its defensive pressure. Steals by Bonin, Samuels, and Rose fueled fast-break opportunities, including a Rose layup and free throw that helped push the lead to six. Oumaru Hydara provided a strong presence inside, finishing efficiently at the rim, while Maddox Hughey energized the crowd with a dunk off a Scanlon assist.
The Wildcats closed the half with momentum. Samuels scored seven points in the final two minutes, highlighted by a fast-break layup and a late three-pointer, as SUNY Poly stretched its advantage to 43–29 heading into the locker room.
SUNY Poly carried that energy into the second half, opening with aggressive play from Rose, who scored on a layup and later added a tip-in to extend the lead to 16. Comstock continued to slash into the lane for baskets, and Samuels finished strong inside as the Wildcats kept Alfred at arm's length.
Alfred attempted to chip away behind interior scoring and perimeter shooting, but SUNY Poly consistently answered. Scanlon knocked down a key three midway through the half, Bonin connected from deep later on, and Samuels threw down a powerful dunk that pushed the lead to 15 with just under six minutes remaining.
Down the stretch, the Wildcats showcased their depth and composure. Comstock continued to score in the paint, Bonin added another three, and SUNY Poly converted at the free-throw line to seal the win. The Wildcats maintained control in the final minutes, securing the 83–71 Senior Day victory.
"It's always great to honor your seniors with a win on Senior Day!" said head coach Rob Schoener. "Brian, Will & Ant have given so much to our program, it was really great to win for them today. Super proud of all our guys!"
