OSWEGO, N.Y. - The Oswego State Men's Basketball team hosted the Cortland Red Dragons this evening for the SUNYAC semifinals.
THE BASICS - Final Score: Oswego 76, Cortland 68.
Location: SUNY Oswego | Oswego, NY | Max Ziel Gym
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Oswego Lakers won the opening tip to start off the game, but failed to score on their first possession. Both teams put their top players on the court for the start of this crucial matchup, each aggressively pushing a full court press. With 14 minutes left in the half, Cartier Bowman steals the ball for a fast break and slammed it home, tying the game 14-14. Momentum is up with an electrifying crowd, as Ahkee Anderson banks a 3-pointer with an assist from Aaron Coston. Energy is high as the two teams race down the court fighting for a break in the score. Halfway through the first half, the Red Dragons lead with 23 points, with the Lakers not far behind at 20. Tensions rise as Oswego calls a timeout with 8 minutes left in the half dragging behind by 7 points. In the paint, Cortland's vigorous defensive presence has proved crucial, denying the Lakers' chances of rebounds. Jeremiah Sparks boosts the Lakers 5 points with two free-throws and a 3-pointer. The first half concluded 35-44 with the Lakers trailing, but their resilience on the court has added an element of suspense to the game, leaving the game up in the air.
Cartier Bowman started the scoring for the Lakers in the second half off a free throw, later filled by a defense rebound to assist Ahkee Anderson in a 3 pointer. Anderson rials the crowd up with a driving layup putting the Lakers 9 points behind at 41-50. Cartier Bowman continues this momentum with a slam dunk. The thunderous crowd cheers on Jeremiah Sparks and Kaleb Cook as they drain three's, bringing the score to a close 1 point difference at 55-56 with 12 minutes left in the game. With 6 minutes left, the Lakers take the lead 63-62 for the first time in the game after Cartier Bowman rebounds a Cortland jumper and goes for a layup. Cortland calls a timeout after Ahkee Anderson sinks a three to tie the game 66-66 with just five minutes left. The energy intensifies as both teams trade baskets, keeping the score points apart in this closely contested game. Cortland loses their drive while the Lakers pump up the fans after a steal from Jeremiah Sparks driving it towards the basket, putting in the layup to lead the Lakers 71-66. The Red Dragons get sloppy while the Lakers pick up the scraps to hold onto the lead.With the clock winding down, the energy on the court intensifies, players hustling with urgency, and the crowd roaring with excitement. With fans on the edge of their seats, the Lakers orchestrated a stunning comeback in the final seconds, clinching the victory 76-68.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Oswego State Lakers' will advance to the SUNYAC championship to play against SUNY New Paltz tomorrow, February 24, at 4:00 PM.
Written by Jillian Kraus
