A Quick Look
Three Red Dragons scored in double figures to lift SUNY Oneonta to a 77-71 victory at New Paltz today in SUNYAC men's basketball action.  The win for Oneonta was its fifth straight, as they raise its overall record to 13-4 and 9-1 in the conference.
 
"Our guys fought for 40 minutes," said Head Coach Cameron Conover.  "We played tough and made big plays when we needed them and came away with the win.  We also know we can play better, and I look forward to watching film and getting back in the gym so we can continue to improve."
 
The Inside Story
Senior Kevin Mackin (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) got things started in the game burying a trey on the game's opening shot.  Leading 7-5, Oneonta scored eight unanswered to grab its first double-digit lead of the contest.  Oneonta maintained at least a 10-point advantage for most of the first half until New Paltz (5-12, 1-9 SUNYAC) cut its deficit into single digits with just under eight minutes left in the half.  The Red Dragons carried a 43-33 lead into the break.
 
The Hawks came out of the break and scored the first five points of the second half to cut Oneonta's lead in half.  Senior Carson Jacobs (Buchanan, NY/Hendrick Hudson), who scored a season high nine points off the bench, halted the mini run by New Paltz.
 
The Red Dragons had an answer every time the Hawks made a push in the second half.  Oneonta's lead stayed between seven and 12 points for the bulk of the half.  A three-pointer by Tristan Wissemann and a layup by Scott Reisert brought New Paltz to within a bucket with 27 seconds left.
 
Mackin was fouled and he converted both free throws for a 75-71 lead for Oneonta.  Senior Ian Schultz (Clifton Park, NY/CBA) denied a layup attempt by Jake Passaretti and collected the rebound.  Sophomore Dylan Trombley (Moriah, NY/Moriah) was then fouled with 17 seconds to go and he made both as well to ice the game for the Red Dragons.
 
Just the Stats
Oneonta's reserves were key in today's win outscoring New Paltz 45-28.  In addition to Jacobs' nine points, Trombley added 15 points and junior Andres Rivera (Bronx, NY/Walton) contributed 19 points equaling Mackin's output.  Both Mackin and Trombley made three shots from behind the arc.
 
Oneonta outrebounded New Paltz 43-32 including eight boards from Rivera.  As a team, the Red Dragons recorded 21 assists led by senior Harrison Deegan's (Putnam Valley, NY/Putnam Valley) 10 dimes.
 
What's Next
Oneonta will look to avenge its only SUNYAC loss this Friday night at home when they face Brockport in a battle of the two top teams in the conference.  Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 7:30pm.