CORTLAND, N.Y. – The College at Brockport women's basketball team traveled back to Cortland Tuesday night for the first round of the SUNYAC playoffs. Despite trailing the Red Dragons at the half, the Golden Eagles were able to pull out a strong second to secure a 55-53 win and advance to the semifinal round.
 
The Golden Eagles were all hands on deck to start the first half, seeing points from all areas on the floor.
 
Allison Chiera started the night off, grabbing the first points of the game on successful free throws. Chiera, Emily Nestler, and Bailey Pratt added three consecutive layups to follow to give the Golden Eagles the lead and they wouldn't stop there. Emily Merrill and Kylee Rosbrook continued to help control the pace of the game, each with boards of their own, allowing them to lead 12-10 at the buzzer.
 
The Green and Gold started the second in similar fashion with a three from Julianna Taylor off an assist from Chelsea Henry. Taylors bucket would give the Golden Eagles the largest lead thus far. The Red Dragons offense picked up the pace in the second, forcing their way back to the lead and holding the Golden Eagles to minimal points. Key fouls forced by Morgan Elmer and Henry in the final minutes kept the Green and Gold competitive however, the Red Dragons would hold the lead 25-24 before the half.
 
Nestler came out quick, sinking a strong board to grab the lead to start the third frame. The Golden Eagles defense forced the Red Dragons to fight for offensive opportunities, allowing them to grab the lead early on. Zaria McCullough, feeding off of Nestler's momentum, sank an and one layup from the left side to move the Green and Gold up four. With the Red Dragons flooding the lane to avoid any more damage, Pratt made herself comfortable on the perimeter, sinking a long three to open up the lead.
 
The two teams continued to fight to control the scoreboard, each taking advantage of key situations offensively. Rosbrook (2), Taylor (4), and Nestler (2) moved the offense in the right direction for the remainder of the quarter, allowing the Golden Eagles to regain the lead 41-37 with 10 left to play.
 
Henry and Taylor opened up the fourth with a pair of layups to give the Green and Gold a six- point lead which proved super helpful as the Red Dragons would hold them scoreless for the next two minutes. The Golden Eagles continued to dominate the paint, with timely layups from Rosbrook and Taylor to hold them within one. The Red Dragons tied the game at 53 with 3:05 remaining which then began the battle of the defenses. Both teams remained scoreless for the next two and half minutes before Nestler came to the rescue with a jumper at :32 on the clock to secure the win.
 
The senior finished the night with her 11th double-double performance, recording 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. Taylor's strong presence under the basket was essential in the Golden Eagles win as well, as she picked up 13 points and five rebounds on the night.
 
The Golden Eagles advance to the semifinal round of the playoffs where they will head back on the road to take on top-ranked New Paltz on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
 
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