GENESEO, N.Y. -- The Fredonia men's basketball team had a back-and-forth battle with Geneseo, but a three pointer by Justin Tapper (White Plains, N.Y. / White Plains) with 6:49 left to play gave the Devils the lead for good, as they dropped Geneseo, 89-86. The game featured eight tie and nine lead changes.

The Devils (2-7 overall, 1-2 SUNYAC) were led by sophomore Ian Helps (Bronx, N.Y. / Greater New York Academy) with 25 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and a pair of blocks. Dante Williams (Buffalo, N.Y. / Hutch Tech) added 14 points and Tapper had 11 off the bench. Freshman Matt Cieslik (Buffalo, N.Y. / City Honors) had a career-high 10 points.

Geneseo (6-2, 0-1) was led by Justin Ringen with 23 points and John Decker with 21.

Fredonia's biggest lead of 11 points came early on. From the initial jump ball, the Devils outscored Geneseo 13-2. Geneseo fought right back on a 17-5 run, taking 19-18 lead. Fredonia eventually finished the first half with a 43-41 lead.

Geneseo would then work its way to a 10-point lead -- its largest of the game -- five-and-a-half minutes into the second half. A Charlie Zaepfel jumper gave the Knights a 61-51 advantage.

Geneseo would hold the lead until the 6:49 mark. Down two, Tapper nailed a three pointer to put the Devils up 73-72. The Devils would keep the lead for good.

Geneseo did get off a last-second attempt to tie the game in the closing seconds, but to no avail.

The Devils held a 43-25 advantage on the boards and shot 56 percent from the floor and 75 percent (15 of 20) from the charity stripe. The team effort included 20 assists and 34 points off the bench. Geneseo was 44 percent from the floor, and 25 of 33 (76 percent) from the line. In total, the teams combined for 44 fouls.

The Devils hope to take their momentum back on the road this weekend. They travel to Plattsburgh and Potsdam to continue conference play.