PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- The Fredonia State men's basketball team closed out its season with a hard-fought battle but ultimately fell to Plattsburgh State, 116-95, on Saturday. Despite a strong effort from multiple Blue Devils, the Cardinals' high-powered offense proved too much to handle in the second half.

The Cardinals wasted no time establishing momentum, jumping out to an early 19-4 lead just over five minutes into the game, fueled by Kareem Welch who finished with a game-high 25 points. Fredonia State responded with a flurry of three-pointers, including a pair from Martin Garza, cutting the deficit to just 29-23 with ten minutes left in the first half. Aiden Proudfoot kept the Devils within striking distance, knocking down a deep three with just over a minute left. The Cardinals went into the half up seven points, 50-43. 

The Devils started the second half strong, led by standout guard Brandon Kulakowski who scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half, including back-to-back three-pointers that trimmed Plattsburgh's lead to just 56-55. However, Plattsburgh quickly responded with a dominant stretch. Franklin Infante and Ikechukwu Ezike powered a 14-3 Cardinals run, extending the lead to double digits. 

The Cardinals shot a blistering 74% from the field in the second half, pulling away in the final minutes to secure the win. 

Kulakowski and Proudfoot shined for the Devils, each contributing 20 points. While Martin Garza provided a strong spark off the bench with 15 points. For the Cardinals, Welch led all scoring, while Infante scored 22 points and had 7 rebounds. 

The loss marked the final game of the season for Fredonia State, which finished with a record of 6-19 overall record and 4-14 in the SUNYAC.