By: Matt Palisin, Asst. SID
BOXSCORE FREDONIA, N.Y. -- For the second straight game, an undermanned Fredonia State team extended a SUNYAC opponent to overtime, but this time the Devils heroics came up short. Oneonta claimed an 87-83 victory.
With the Devils down one, 72-71 with three seconds to go,
Robert Lyles (Peekskill) was fouled and sent to the line for two free throws. After missing the first one, he sank the second and sent the game into overtime.
Oneonta would finally pull away in the extra period to gain the four-point victory. They outscored the Devils 15-11 in the five-minute overtime.
With only seven Fredonia State players seeing playing time due to various injuries and a limited roster, first-year head coach Phillip Seymore got the most out of his players through the first 40 minutes before falling in the extra period.
Tyrone Clark (Elmira/Elmira Free) finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds, while playing all 45 minutes. Lyles added 24 points.
Alexander Grace (Bemus Point) added 18 points, including eight points in the overtime period. Grace and Clark combined for 10 three-pointers.
Oneonta (7-7 SUNYAC, 10-11 overall) was paced by Zach Mager with 29 points and Mike McElroy with 18.
Oneonta held a 38-32 lead at the break. Both teams hit on 12 three-pointers and shot well from the floor -- 50 percent for Oneonta and 45 percent for the Blue Devils. Oneonta held a slim 38-35 edge in rebounds. Foul shooting was the bane of the Devils, as the converted 55 percent (11 of 20) compared to 19 of 30 (63 percent) for Oneonta.
The game saw six lead changes and nine ties.
The Devils (2-11, 5-15) travel to New Paltz on Saturday.
