By: by Matt Palisin, Asst. SID
BOXSCORE
BOX SCORE
FREDONIA, N.Y. -- The Fredonia State men's basketball team lost wild one, 54-52, to visiting New Paltz on Saturday evening as freshman Alan Siergeij nailed the game-winning shot with 1.5 seconds left to give New Paltz a hard-fought victory.
The final minute of the game saw several big shots.
The first one came from the Hawk's Shalik Jenkins. Tied at 49, Jenkins nailed a three with 46.3 seconds left to put New Paltz up by three.
Moments later, Fredonia State's
Damien Goodwin II knocked down a long three for the Devils, knotting the game at 52.
New Paltz inbounded the ball with 34 seconds remaining. The Hawks ran down the clock for the final shot. Jenkins dribbled in from the top of the key. As the Devils collapsed on Jenkins, he lobbed the ball to an open Siergiej who converted a baby hook under the hoop for the game winner.
The game stayed close throughout the second half, with five lead changes and four ties. Neither team led by more than five at any point in the half.
The first half was even more back-and-forth with ten lead changes and four ties. The frame even ended with a buzzer beater.
With New Paltz leading 33-30,
Leonard Smith nailed a three-pointer as the horn sounded to tie it at 33-all. The two teams combined for 10 three-pointers in the period, six coming from the Blue Devils.
The biggest lead of the half – and the game -- was eight points by New Paltz. With the Devils up 13-12, the Hawks went on a nine-point run to take a 21-13 lead. The Devils immediately answered with a 12-1 run capped by a pair of
Jonathan Herrera three pointers. At that point, the Devils held a 25-22 advantage with five minutes left in the half.
Julius Bryant topped the Devils with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Leonard Smith added 7 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The Devils held a 32-24 edge on the boards. However, they only converted two of eight free-throw opportunites in the game. New Paltz was six of eight for the game.
The Hawks were led by Matt Devine with 21 points. Jenkins finished with 12 and 6 assists.
The Devils hit the road next weekend, making the trek to Potsdam and Plattsburgh.
