FREDONIA, N.Y. -- After Fredonia led by as many as 13 in the first half, the New Paltz Hawks slowly worked their way back into the game and escaped with a 70-66 victory.  Fredonia pulled within two points with 21 seconds remaining, but could not get over the hump.

Ian Helps (Bronx, N.Y. / Greater New York Academy) turned in another strong effort with 18 points and 15 boards. It was his sixth double-double of the season. Dante' Williams (Buffalo, N.Y. / Hutch Tech) added 12 points.

Midway through the first half, the Devils had built a 22-9 lead following baskets by De'Quan Smith (Rochester, N.Y. / Penfield) on consecutive possessions. It was their biggest lead of the game.

By the half, New Paltz whittled the lead down to four points. From the 2:48 mark of the first half through the first six minutes of the second, New Paltz went on a 16-0 run to go up five, 39-34.

Three possessions later, the Devils regained the lead. A layup by Brian Baril (Cambria Heights, N.Y. / Monsignor Scanlan) gave Fredonia a 40-39 advantage.

It was short lived as a Matthew English jumper allowed New Paltz to regain the lead. 

With 6:44 in the half, Jonathan McDonald (Brooklyn, N.Y. / High School for Public Service) nailed a turnaround floater to tie the game at 52.

Fredonia three times came within two points -- the last coming at the 21-second mark.

Fredonia shot 42 percent from the floor, and New Paltz shot 41 percent. New Paltz had 14 points from the free-throw line to Fredonia's 13. The Hawks won the rebounding battle, 40-34.

New Paltz (7-14 overall / 4-10 SUNYAC) was led by Dylan Balducci with 18 points. Three other Hawks scored 11.

Justin Tapper added nine points and eight rebounds for Fredonia, who dropped to 4-15 overall and 2-13 in the SUNYAC.