POTSDAM, N.Y.- Clutch free throw shooting lifts SUNY Canton (1-2) over SUNY Potsdam women's basketball team (1-3) 66-54 Sunday afternoon in the finale of the Kevin Fee Roos Classic. Caseylynn Fulton led the Roos with 20 points and nine boards, while freshman guard Secret Clark (Bronx, N.Y./NYC Charter for A.E.C.I.) continued her strong scoring efforts with 13 points and three steals.
 
The teams traded baskets over the first four minutes of play before the Bears hit their scoring stride. After a Clark steal, she found senior forward Veronica Sapp (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam) streaking down the floor. Clark hit her for the fast break layup that started an 11-1 run then was capped by another fast break layup from freshman guard Abbey Smith (Bainbridge, N.Y./Bainbridge-Guilford). At the end of the first quarter, the Bears held an eight point lead.
 
Clark started the scoring with a made layup to open the second, but Canton answered with a steal by Karyss Terrance followed by a layup. The teams matched basket-for-basket through the first five minutes before the Roos went on the attack. Bear fouls led to four trips to the free throw line and Canton took advantage by going 7-8. The Roos took the lead with a made jumper from Fulton to close out the first half of play.
 
It was a slow start for both teams to open the third quarter, but an old fashion three-point play by Terrance ignited Canton's offense. At 5:44, Fulton drained a three followed by a Potsdam jumper from senior forward Katie LaVoie (Malone, N.Y./Franklin Academy) to cut the lead to three, but the Bears fouling troubles continued. The Roos went 10-10 from the foul line to end the third and extend their lead to eight to go into the final quarter.
 
The teams battled during the opening minutes before Potsdam started their comeback. Freshman guard Janay Smith (Bronx, N.Y./Wings Academy) knocked down two free throw to start a 12-2 run that was capped by a three from Clark to cut Canton's lead to two. Canton answered with back-to-back layups and yet again another impressive showing from the line to end the game with a 66-54 win.
 
Janay Smith finished with nine points and four takeaways. LaVoie recorded eights boards, while junior forward Pattie Dorgler (Floral Park, N.Y./Archbishop Malloy) had a career-high five steals.
 
Terrance and Tatiana Laroche each recorded a double-double against the Bears. Terrance with 14 points and 11 boards and Laroche added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Canton shot 79-percent from the free throw line.
 
The Bears hit the road for their SUNYAC opener against SUNY Oneonta Friday Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.