By: Ricky Webster
BOX SCORE
FREDONIA, N.Y.—In contrast to their first meeting this season, the Fredonia State Blue Devils fell 48-43 to the New Paltz Hawks.In their previous meeting, the Hawks and Devils exploded offensively with New Paltz taking down a 101-95 matchup on Jan. 8.
The Devils drop to 2-10 in the SUNYAC and 5-14 overall while the Hawks improve to 6-5 in the conference and 11-7 overall.
The Hawks jumped out to a quick 11-0 lead to open the game and built a 16-6 lead at the 8:00 mark. The Devils found their rhythm on both ends of the court, and kept the Hawks scoreless for the next 6:38.
A Dalton Kashmer three-point shot with 3:04 left brought the Devils to within one, at 16-15. New Paltz stayed ahead, entering halftime with a 22-17 lead.
Fredonia State came out firing in the second half. The Devils connected on their first four shots, including two three point shots from Dior Jackson and Damien Goodwin II. An Adam Smith lay-up with 17:23 to play gave the Devils their first lead of the night, 27-26.
The two teams exchanged leads multiple times before the Hawks built a comfortable seven point with just over six minutes remaining. The Devils kept the game within reach. Coming off a timeout with a minute to play, Branden McKenney sunk a long-range jumper to bring the Devils to within two at 45-43.
The final minute of play provided a dramatic finish. McKenney was fouled after grabbing a defensive rebound. However, he was injured on the play which required medical attention. This allowed the New Paltz coach to choose a different player to shoot the 1-and-1 free throw. Sean Donahue was chosen, and hit the back end of the rim and the ball rolled out.
Shereef Taylor was fouled on the rebound, and made the first of two free throws, putting the Hawks ahead 46-43. The Hawks would eventually hit two more free throws and take the game.
Smith provided another strong performance, leading the Devils with 12 points and eight rebounds. McKenney finished with eight points.
For the Hawks, Taylor was the only player to reach double-figures, dropping 13 points.
The Blue Devils are back in action at home Saturday afternoon vs. Oneonta. Tip-off between the Blue Devils and Red Dragons is 4 p.m. Men's basketball scorekeeper Jim Polvino will be recognized at halftime. He's in his 50th consecutive season keeping the men's official gamebook.
