By: Ricky Webster
(BOX SCORE)
FREDONIA, N.Y. — The Fredonia State Blue Devils lost at the buzzer, 46-43, as Tony Efese of the Potsdam Bears sank a three-point shot just behind the half-court stripe.
The Bears improved their playoff chances as they boosted their SUNYAC record to 7-10. The Blue Devils fell to 3-14.
Fredonia State led by as many as 13 in the second half, but the Bears battled back to tie the game at 41-41 with 2:32 to play. With four seconds left and the score tied at 43, Adam Smith -- who came up with a critical block on the previous defensive play -- missed a lay-up attempt that would have put the Blue Devils ahead.
Efese grabbed the rebound, dribbled once, and took the final heave at the buzzer to take the win.
Fredonia State took the lead with 11:52 in the first half, 10-9, and never trailed until the final buzzer sounded after Efese's shot. The Blue Devils held a large advantage in rebounds, 44-24.
Smith finished the game with 11 points to pace the Blue Devils. Joseph Monahan and Sean Donahue both finished with eight points.
Efese shot 7 of 11 from the floor and finished with a game-high 16 points.
Fredonia State finishes up their season at Steele Hall tomorrow against the Plattsburgh Cardinals. The Blue Devils fell to the Cardinals 64-58 on Jan. 21 at Plattsburgh in their only meeting this season.
