ONEONTA, N.Y.—Oneonta State (16-8, 12-6 SUNYAC) used a late surge to defeat the SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team (11-11, 9-8) 79-62 on Friday evening. Junior center
Tyrese Baptiste (Brooklyn, N.Y./Eagle Academy II) and freshman guard
MeSean Johnson (Odgensburg, N.Y./Ogdensburg Free Academy) each led the Bears with 14 points. Sophomore guard
Colton Huestis (Ticonderoga, N.Y./Ticonderoga) had 13 points and sophomore forward
Ahamadou Sillah (Bronx, N.Y./Kipp NYC College Prep) added 10.
The first half saw several momentum swings and lead changes. Potsdam opened up an early 6-2 lead, but the Red Dragons had a 17-6 answer for a 19-12 advantage at 11:24. A 13-3 run from the Bears gave them a 25-22 advantage with 5:54 left in the half. Huestis, Baptiste and Sillah accounted for all the run's points with five, four and four, respectively. Two free throws from Frankie Williams put Oneonta back in front at 4:51 and the Red Dragons stayed in the lead the rest of the half. Potsdam trailed 31-28 at the break.
The Red Dragons opened the second half with an 8-3 burst for a 38-31 advantage at 17:39. A layup from Johnson a three from Huestis closed the gap to two points. Johnson kept Potsdam within two at 43-41 with a layup at 9:48. The Bears hung tough until late, but Oneonta held them off. After layup from Sean Nolan gave Oneonta a 50-41 advantage, the Bears fought back and a Baptiste layup made it a 55-50 contest with 4:12 left. However, the Red Dragons outscored Potsdam 24-12 the rest of the way to close out the 17-point victory.
Dylan Trombley led all scorers with 27 points. Nolan finished with 15 points. Michael Ortale also had 15 points and Williams had 12.
The Bears head to SUNY New Paltz tomorrow afternoon for a 4 p.m. battle and chance to clinch a playoff berth.
