BROCKPORT, N.Y. - The College at Brockport's Women's basketball team met with SUNY New Paltz Friday night for their second of three SUNYAC matchups at home. Brockport fell short 69-53 and brought their record to 8-11 overall and an even 6-6 in conference play.
The first quarter was a back and forth affair, as
Emily Nestler led the way with a tough inside presence that resulted in eight points on a perfect 4-4 shooting. Brockport also had a couple threes from
Allison Chiera and
Bailey Pratt to keep the Golden Eagles ahead. A last second shot from the perimeter by New Paltz allowed them to grab the lead 18-16 at the buzzer.
Brockport's tremendous team defense highlighted the start of the second quarter. The tough man-to-man defense forced New Paltz to make difficult shots, not allowing them a single point until a pair of free throws with 3:38 left in the quarter. The team's defense, along with the continued tough play by Nestler and a couple of buckets from
Chelsea Henry, allowed Brockport to surge to a 26-20 lead. New Paltz responded with a run of their own at the end of the quarter to retake the lead 29-28 at half.
Both teams returned from the half, exchanging buckets for much of the third quarter.
Zaria McCullough kick started the Golden Eagle offense, adding five points off a pair of jumpers, both with assists from Nestler. New Paltz opened up a lead with an 11-2 run that gave them an advantage that would prove essential for the rest of the contest. Thanks to four points off the bench from freshman
Nicole Leslie, Brockport ended the quarter only down 55-41.
With the lead still within reach, the Golden Eagles continued to make the Hawks work for offensive opportunities.
Julianna Taylor, Pratt and Leslie each added solo baskets in the fourth, with Henry leading the pack with five points. Despite Brockport's offensive attempts, a strong defensive effort by New Paltz helped them sustain their lead in the fourth and ultimately take the game 69-53.
The Golden Eagles were led by Nestler who had her 8
th double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Green and Gold also saw strong performances from Henry who finished the night with nine points, five rebounds, and three assists along with Pratt and McCullough who put up eight and seven point respectively, each adding three assists a piece as well.
Brockport is back in action tomorrow at home in another SUNYAC matchup against Oneonta at 2 p.m.
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