Oswego Sports Information Department
OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Oswego State Men's Basketball team hosted the Williams College Ephs for the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The two teams demonstrated even play in the first half, but Williams ultimately took over with only seconds remaining giving them the 79-77 winning score.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Oswego 77 (26-3, 18-0 SUNYAC) Williams 79 (23-6, 9-1 NESCAC)
Location: Oswego State | Oswego, NY | Max Ziel Gym
HOW IT HAPPENED
To get things started, Cartier Bowman scored a layup just nine seconds in and Jamal Achille added one of his own. Matching each other's quick play, points traded back and forth until layups by the Ephs edged them up 9-6; they continued to maintain a small margin lead. A layup by Ahkee Anderson tied up the score 19-19, but Williams again regained the lead with two back-to-back three-pointers. Anderson secured a three to close the point gap to 28-26. Sean Edwards got a defensive rebound which allowed Sparks to ignite for a tying layup. With 3:53 left on the clock, Laker free throws put them in the lead 32-31. With the shot clock running out, Achille knocked down a three, but Williams returned the favor showing the Lakers they were more than capable of matching them. With 21 seconds remaining, the Ephs used free throws to tie up the score 37-37 going into halftime. Williams used their size to defend the rim, owning the lead 49% of the first half.
Williams was the first to score with a driving layup, then the Lakers saw their three and raised them with a layup. The Ephs retook the lead with a layup and owned it for the next ten minutes of play. Now up by 10, game play seemed to shift in the favor of Williams. However, another three and a jump shot by Anderson gave the Lakers a necessary boost in morale. Capitalizing on a Williams' foul, the Lakers were still hopeful, but trailing a close 64-62 with 8:33 left. The next minute of play saw another Williams foul. Crittendon sank both free throw attempts, which gave them the lead. A layup and good three made the score 69-65. Two Ephs layups tied up the score yet again with 5:07 left to go. As soon as Oswego sprouted ahead, Williams came right back, not letting up. Sparks lit the net with a three-pointer to push Oswego ahead 75-73. The Ephs used a layup and good free throw attempts to take back the lead with 1:42 remaining. Oswego answered with a jump shot to tie it once more 77-77. At 17.5 seconds to go, Williams called a timeout with the ball in their possession. They made a layup with seven seconds left on the clock to officially take the game from Oswego. A last second shot attempt by Sparks was no good.
Leading scorers for the Lakers were Anderson with 25, Sparks with 23, and Achille had 11.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lakers end their season 26-3 overall, and with a perfect 18-0 conference record.
The Lakers thank their seniors, Jamal Achille, Luke Van Slyke, Jeremiah Sparks, Kaleb Cook, Cartier Bowman, and Julien Crittendon.
