Cobleskill, NY: The SUNY Cobleskill men's basketball team impressed at home, defeating Lesley University 91-71 in North Atlantic Conference action on Saturday afternoon at the Iorio Gymnasium. The Fighting Tigers used a well-rounded team effort and a standout second-half performance from guard Elijah Morris (Mount Vernon, NY) to secure their first conference win of the season.

Morris led the way with a brilliant 25-point showing, shooting 9-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, while adding two assists and two steals. Senior forward Jermaine Wheeler (Manhattan, NY/Marist) dominated inside with 11 points and eight rebounds, and guard Quanire Greene (Albany, NY/Bishop Maginn) chipped in 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Marquay Tanksley (Cohoes, NY) contributed nine points and eight boards, while Nasir Snell (Spackenkill, NY) provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.

The Tigers' efficiency was key in the win, as they shot 44.7% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range compared to Lesley's 44.1% shooting overall and 33.3% from deep. Cobleskill held a decisive 48-39 edge in rebounding and dominated second-chance points 24-13. The Tigers also forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 15 points.

Cobleskill established control early, opening with a 6-2 lead following a free throw from Greene at the 14:09 mark. Both teams leaned on their defenses early, making scoring opportunities scarce. Cobleskill stretched their lead to 18-10 after Chace Peterson (Troy, NY) sank two free throws midway through the half. Although Lesley closed the gap to one possession, the Tigers responded with a 10-2 run, capped by a Greene three-pointer off an assist from Chalik Rush (Manhattan, NY/Graphics Arts) to make it 33-22. Cobleskill's defensive intensity helped them close the half with a 40-29 advantage.

The Tigers came out strong in the second half, quickly extending their lead to 49-35 with a free throw from Morris. A pair of three-pointers from Morris and Tanksley widened the margin to 61-44 with 13:45 to play. Morris continued his dominant performance, driving to the basket to push the lead to 68-47. Cobleskill's largest lead came after a Peterson free throw made it 75-52, allowing the Tigers to cruise to the 91-71 win.

Cobleskill will return to the court next Saturday, December 14, to host Alfred State at 3:00 p.m. in the Iorio Gymnasium.