Senior Mike Gallagher (Schenectady, NY/Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons) scored all 10 of his points within the first half keeping The College at Brockport Men's Basketball team within striking distance, as the Golden Eagles overcame a first half deficit to defeat New Paltz 61-57 in a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) game during senior day on the campus of Brockport in the Jim and John Vlogianitis Gymnasium.

Brockport (12-10, 9-6 SUNYAC) forced 20 turnovers throughout the course of the game and was able to grab 15 offensive rebounds to overcome some shooting struggles. The Golden Eagles defense swiped the ball from New Paltz 15 times, including a team leading six steals from Clifton Lyerly (Inwood, NY/Lawrence).

During the first half of play Brockport built a strong nine point behind threes from Gallagher and Mitch Cote (Rochester, NY/Penfield) while the final basket of the nine point lead came from Levi Pace (Medina, NY/Medina). With more than five minutes remaining Pace stepped in front of a Hawks pass and streaked down the court with one man to beat. Pace shook the defender loose with an up and under move using the rim to screen his shot from the defender. Brockport was ahead 27-18 with Pace's basket but a Hawks run of 11 unanswered points gave them the lead at halftime.

After New Paltz scored the first five points of the second half stretching its lead to 34-27, Matthew Smith (East Northport, NY/Northport) made a three pointer to stymie the Hawks run. Patrick Modzelewski (Brooklyn, NY/Msgr. McClancy) was credited with the assist on the play as Brockport began a 7-0 run to tie the game at 34-34.

In the next 10 minutes of play, Brockport and New Paltz countered each other's baskets several times leading to three different ties through the process. However Brockport regained the lead when Lyerly hit Modzelewski with a pass that led to a three pointer from the junior forward.

Lyerly and Pace scored the next seven points of the game giving the Golden Eagles a 56-48 lead with three and a half minutes remaining in action. With 20 seconds remaining, the Hawks trailed by three but Brockport converted three of four free throws to cushion the lead and put the game out of reach.

Pace led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 14 points as he also added seven rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals. For the second game in a row Smith led the Golden Eagles with six assists.

Brockport hosts another crucial SUNYAC contest on Tuesday against Cortland at 5:30 pm in the Jim and John Vlogianitis Gymnasium.