Oneonta, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz couldn't overcome a poor shooting night and suffered just its second SUNYAC loss of the season, 71-54 to hosting Oneonta Tuesday to split the series.
 
"We weren't aggressive on offense and Oneonta's defense outplayed us," said Hawks coach Keith Kenney. "They had an answer for what we did, and their guys defended. They are a transition team, and we knew that, but didn't execute against it. They wanted it more than us tonight."
 
It was the lowest scoring out-put of the season for SUNY New Paltz, which went into the game averaging nearly 80 points per game and was coming off three consecutive games scoring 88 points or more. On Tuesday against the Red Dragons, the Hawks struggled finding their shooting touch and connected on just 38 percent, including only 2-for-18 from 3-point range. 
 
Oneonta opened up with a 6-0 start and never trailed in the game. After getting into an 11-point deficit within the first five minutes, the Hawks climbed back in and trimmed the difference to two following an easy fast-break bucket by Brandon Scott, but Oneonta answered immediately knocking down from 3-point range. 
SUNY New Paltz fought past another eight-point deficit with Lucas Seyoum hitting a much-needed shot from the perimeter to get the Hawks within six with about 3:30 to play in the half. Sean St. Lucia then helped the visitors creep back in, scoring the next five points including a triple to get SUNY New Paltz within three with Ryan Blondo cutting the score to 32-31 with a basket in the paint following a steal by Tyreik Frazier in the final minute before the break to help the Hawks end the half on a 10-2 run.
 
However, Oneonta owned the second half and built a quick 10-point cushion after taking advantage of some fast-break baskets. Sixteen of the Red Dragons' first 19 points came in the paint with the other three points scored from the foul line.
 
The Hawks faced their largest deficit at 14 with 11 minutes remaining, but five-straight points got them within nine with eight minutes to play. A free throw by the Red Dragons broke up the run, but SUNY New Paltz answered with back-to-back buckets by Fraizer to cut the score, 52-46, but that was the closest the Hawks got to the lead. Oneonta continued to get to the foul line and outscored the Hawks, 13-6 in the final four minutes to close out the game.
 
Frazier finished with a team-high 12 points off the bench, while adding six rebounds and two steals in 26 minutes. Blondo followed with 11 points, three rebounds, an assist and a team-high six steals. St. Lucia chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds, a steal and a team-best five assists.
 
SUNY New Paltz returns home to host The College at Brockport and SUNY Geneseo in the Hawk Center Friday and Saturday, respectively. Both games are scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.

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