A Quick Look
The SUNY Oneonta women's basketball team erased a four-point deficit in the final quarter to defeat Utica College 78-70 in its home opener.  The Red Dragons had four players in double figures led by senior Leanne Corso's (Commack/Commack) 22 points off the bench.
 
The Inside Story
Trailing 56-52 entering the final quarter, Oneonta (2-2) put together an 18-3 run to seize control of the contest.  Corso buried two big threes during the run while classmate Casey Hayes (New Hyde Park/Sewanhaka) and junior Clara Culeton (Oswego/Oswego) added four points and five points respectively.  Utica made a late run, but it was too little, too late.
 
The two squads entered halftime all square at 34 apiece.  The Pioneers held a slim 15-14 lead at the end of the first quarter and Oneonta bounced back to outscore Utica 20-19.  Nicolette Conkin and Petrina DeMarco each had 12 points to pace the Pioneers while Culeton and Corso each had six points to lead Oneonta.
 
A Corso jumper gave Oneonta a 10-6 lead just past the halfway point of the opening quarter.  Conkin buried back-to-back threes to push Utica ahead 12-10.  DeMarco closed the quarter with a trey to give the Pioneers its one-point advantage entering the second quarter.
 
Oneonta trailed 32-27 with under two minutes remaining in the second quarter before closing the stanza with a 7-2 run to tie the score entering the break.
 
Utica outscored Oneonta 22-18 in the third quarter to grab a 56-52 lead entering the fourth quarter.  Cora Sawyer and Conkin hit back-to-back threes for Utica to erase a one-point deficit over the final 3:29.
 
Just the Stats
Oneonta shot 47 percent from the floor while holding Utica to 34 percent.  The Red Dragons outrebounded the Pioneers 53-39 while dishing out 21 assists on its 33 baskets.
 
Conkin was the high scorer for Utica pouring in a game high 23 points.
 
Joining Corso in double figures was Culeton and Hayes with 14 apiece and senior Olivia Allrich (Ballston Spa/Ballston Spa) who had 11 points.  Culeton led all rebounders with a career high 15 boards to post her first collegiate double double.
 
What's Next
Oneonta will have one day off before heading to Hartwick College on Thursday night for its annual match-up with its city rival.