The Oswego State men's basketball team claimed sole possession of first place in the SUNYAC standing by fending off Brockport 78-75 on Friday night in Max Ziel Gymnasium. Oswego now holds a 14-4 record overall and a 10-1 league mark while the Golden Eagles fall to 15-4, 10-2.
In a contest where Oswego controlled the lead for over 90-percent of the game, the Lakers had to keep Brockport at bay late in the second half. The Lakers grew an advantage to as many as 16 with 8:07 left in regulation, but the Golden Eagles were able to chip away down the stretch. Oswego never relinquished its lead, however, holding on by six-straight made free-throws in the final 18 seconds, spoiling Brockport's comeback bid.
Four of those final free throws came from Brian Sortino, who ended the tilt with a game-high 24 points. The senior was consistent from the line all night, making all 10 of his attempts from the charity stripe. Aiding Sortino on offense were Jamir Ferebee with 18 points and Ian Schupp with 17, his last two on free-throws with 18-seconds to go. Schupp (4) and Sortino (3) were not selfish in their double-figure scoring night, combing for 7-of-8 Laker assists. The pair were active defensively too, helping themselves to three of the team's four steals.
Missing a double-double by just one point was Tyler Pierre, tallying nine points to go along with a contest-best 10 rebounds. Ferebee and Mykelle Krecko helped on the boards, each collecting eight caroms. Krecko led all players with two blocks on the night.
Oswego's main catalysts in defeating Brockport were rebounding and shooting percentages. The Lakers grabbed four more boards than the Golden Eagles (39-35), shot 17-percent better from beyond the arc and 27.1-percent higher from the free-throw line. As a team, Oswego was 9-for-19 (47.7%) from distance and missed just four freebies on 31 attempts (87.1%).
The Lakers will turn around for a 2 p.m. battle with SUNYAC-foe Geneseo on Saturday at home.
