Brockport, NY – The SUNY Brockport men's basketball team lost a tough battle at home Saturday against No. 6 Oswego, 69-61. Moving to 15-8 overall and 11-6 in conference play, the Golden Eagles have officially clinched a spot in the SUNYAC Tournament for a 23^rd consecutive season.
 
Tony Arnold finished with 18 points, six boards, two assists, and one steal in the contest to lead Brockport in scoring. Zachary Rice chipped in with 13 points off the bench, while Caquan Wester registered 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
 
Against this nationally ranked opponent, Brockport came out hot to start the day. The squad jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game. However, the Lakers were able to weather the storm and made it just 13-12 score near the midpoint of the first half.
 
With 4:17 left until halftime, the scoreboard read 26-26 with Oswego tying the game. A quick run to end the half allowed the visiting Lakers to take a slim edge as halftime approached. They entered the break leading, 33-28.
 
The two teams kept up the high intensity throughout the second half. Oswego extended its lead to eight at 47-39, but Brockport wouldn't go away. Rice converted on a nice putback opportunity to make it a 2-point game with 10:42 on the clock.
 
Oswego found a way to recapture an 8-point lead, thanks to some strong play by Jeremiah Sparks who finished with a game-high 19 points. Once again the Golden Eagles fought back to make it a 2-point game at 56-54 with around five minutes left to play.
 
Heading into the final stretch, the Lakers were able to capitalize on their chances at the free throw line. They did just enough to keep Brockport from getting over the hump in the final minutes. Oswego went on to take the win, 69-61, and locked up the No. 1 seed for the SUNYAC Tournament.
 
The Golden Eagles will close out the regular season next weekend on Senior Day. They host Geneseo for a 4pm tip-off on Saturday, February 17^th.