Box Score The SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team traded punches for 45 minutes of action Friday, but was eventually outlasted in a 73-68 overtime loss at New Paltz in a State University of New York Athletic Conference showdown in New Paltz, N.Y.

After the Bears (5-11 overall, 4-5 SUNYAC) took a 66-65 advantage with 1:53 left in overtime, the Hawks took the lead for good on a 3-pointer with 1:32 remaining, closing the game on an 8-2 run.

New Paltz (10-6, 6-4) took advantage of second chances in the extra period and converted 20-of-26 at the free throw line for the game, compared to just 4-of-8 for Potsdam.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Potsdam coach Sherry Dobbs said. “(New Paltz) made some plays in overtime and did a good job hitting the offensive glass. (Sophomore) Curtis Pierce made some huge plays around the basket down the stretch (in regulation) to keep it to a one-possession game.”

With the game tied at 56-56 in regulation, Pierce (Brooklyn, N.Y.), who finished with a game-high 25 points, gave the Bears a two-point lead on a lay-up with 33 seconds to play. After New Paltz tied the game on the ensuing possession, Potsdam called a timeout with 14 seconds on the clock.

The Bears maintained possession after a miss by Pierce, setting up the final play in regulation, where freshman Rob Duquette (Peru, N.Y.) was blocked on a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded.

“We did a good job executing offensively and getting the shots we wanted to get,” Dobbs said. “Unfortunately, New Paltz did a good job attacking around the basket and got to the free throw line.”

Pierce also recorded 12 rebounds (six offensive) for his third double-double of the year. Senior Eddie Cross (Hudson, N.Y.) continued his strong play off the bench with 16 points on 4-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.

“Eddie did a great job giving us a lift off the bench with his shooting and playmaking when we broke down offensively,” Dobbs said. “(Freshman) Colin Peterson did a nice job defensively. He's coming along for us, and is going to be a very good player.”

Potsdam shot 38.2 percent from the floor, compared to 44.6 percent for New Paltz.

The Bears return to the floor tomorrow at Oneonta. Game time is slated for 4 p.m. in Oneonta, N.Y.