Cobleskill, NY: The SUNY Cobleskill men's basketball team battled their way to a hard-fought 84-79 victory over Keuka College in non-conference action at Iorio Gymnasium on Tuesday night. Facing a hot-shooting opponent early, the Fighting Tigers clawed back with second-half composure and clutch plays down the stretch to secure the home win.
Cobleskill's balanced offensive attack was led by
Elijah Morris (Mount Vernon, NY), who poured in 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and snagged three steals.
Quanire Greene (Albany, NY/Bishop Maginn) showcased his versatility with 19 points, three assists, and two steals.
Jermaine Wheeler (Manhattan, NY/Marist) dominated the glass, recording a double-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals, while senior forward
Chalik Rush (Manhattan, NY/Graphic Arts) added 11 points, hitting two pivotal three-pointers.
Statistically, the Fighting Tigers outmuscled Keuka in the paint, posting a 38-29 edge in rebounds and converting 20 second-chance points compared to the visitors' five. Cobleskill's aggressiveness at the charity stripe was crucial, as they made 32 free throws on 43 attempts, overcoming Keuka's sharp 82.6% free-throw shooting. Both teams were evenly matched from the floor, with Cobleskill shooting 45.3% (24-53) and Keuka at 46.3% (25-54).
The game saw nine lead changes and six ties, with Keuka holding the early momentum behind Marcus Reed's 26-point performance. The Wolves built a 29-20 advantage at the 9:21 mark of the first half before
Nasir Snell (Spackenkill, NY) sparked an 11-3 Cobleskill run, cutting the deficit to 32-31 with 7:10 remaining. Keuka regained control and closed the half strong, entering the break with a 52-44 lead after
Adrian Beato (Beacon, NY) hit a buzzer-beating jumper.
Cobleskill came out firing in the second half, with Greene's three-pointer tying the game at 54-54 just three minutes in. A layup by
Devin Dennard (Elmira, NY) gave the Tigers their first lead of the half, 70-69, with 8:27 to play. Cobleskill built a four-point cushion after a free throw from Morris, but Keuka fought back, tying the game at 75-75 with 3:51 remaining. Wheeler's offensive rebound and putback with one minute left gave Cobleskill an 80-79 lead, a critical play that shifted the momentum.
In the closing seconds, Rush sealed the game at the free-throw line, knocking down three of four attempts in the final 24 seconds. His offensive rebound off a missed free throw preserved possession, denying Keuka a chance to tie or take the lead.
The Fighting Tigers return to action on Tuesday, December 3, when they open conference play against SUNY Delhi at 7:30 p.m.
