Oneonta, NY – The SUNY Brockport women's basketball team came up short on the road Friday night against Oneonta in conference play, 61-52. With the loss, Brockport moves to 10-12 overall and 7-8 in the SUNYAC.
 
Stephanie Jean-Baptiste would lead the squad with 12 points on the night. Zairea Hannah finished with seven points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
 
It was another balanced scoring effort for the Golden Eagles, as all nine players that touched the court scored. Zoe Zutes posted eight points off the bench, while Juan Brown added seven points.
 
Both teams proved to be evenly matched through the first quarter, as neither squad could gain an advantage on the scoreboard. Brockport shot 35.3%, while Oneonta shot 35.7% from the floor in the opening period. The Green and Gold battled the Red Dragons to a 12-12 tie after the first.
 
Not much changed in the second quarter with neither team giving an inch. Brockport and Oneonta both scored 10 points in the period. The two SUNYAC opponents entered halftime tied at 22-22.
 
The third quarter continued the same pace of the first half, with the score staying tight the entire period. Balanced scoring was the name of the game for the Golden Eagles, as nine different players had registered points.
 
On the final possession of the quarter, Mackenzie Higby hit a 3-pointer to put Brockport up 43-41 heading into the fourth. Free throws were key for the squad this far into the game, as the Green and Gold had shot 11-for-13 at the line through three quarters.
 
This game would come down to the fourth, in a contest that holds postseason implications for both squads. Brockport's offense stalled halfway through which allowed Oneonta to take a, 56-50, advantage with crunch time approaching.
 
The Red Dragons made a pair of key free throws in the final minute to create a little extra cushion on the scoreboard. They would finish the game out at the line, securing a hard-fought 61-52 win.
 
On Saturday the Golden Eagles are back in action, as they head to New Paltz for another crucial SUNYAC matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 2pm.