New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz remained undefeated at home and extended its winning streak to 11 games following an 83-59 victory over Buffalo State Friday night in the Hawk Center.
 
The Hawks improved to 19-2 overall and 13-1 in the SUNYAC after collecting the regular season series sweep of the Bengals (3-16, 2-10). The hosts rolled through the first half as they shot 60 percent from the floor, which included 3-for-4 from 3-point range to get out to a commanding 21-12 lead entering the second period.
 
Brianna Fitzgerald upped the lead to 15 thanks to a steal by Macie Perry on a trap by the duo, which led to an open floor layup from Fitzgerald midway through the quarter. Buffalo State worked its way within nine two minutes later, but SUNY New Paltz connected on three-straight baskets to bring its cushion to 18 before the visitors hit on their last two shots, including a 3-pointer in the final seconds to cut the deficit to 41-31 at the break.
 
The third quarter mirrored the first and the Hawks steadily built a comfortable 20-point cushion as they connected on 50 percent from the floor to out-score Buffalo State, 24-13 in the period. The largest advantage flexed to 26 twice in the quarter, first on a triple by Grace Koehler and then again on a steal by Perry, which led to a fastbreak bucket by sister, Summy Perry to bring the score to 65-39 with two minutes to go.
 
 
SUNY New Paltz's bench continued the trend in the fourth to close out the convincing 24-point win as Deanna Berry officially gave the Hawks the largest lead of the game following a made free throw at 83-55 with a minute remaining which counted as the last points for the hosts in the contest.
 
Hannah Vanderzee, needing only to play 25 minutes in the blowout, led all scorers with 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting, adding a rebound, three assists and two steals. Fitzgerald followed with 14 points on 7-for-10 shooting, side-eying perhaps another quadruple double in 25 minutes of action, finishing with eight assists, six rebounds, five steals and a block. Kayden Cornell followed with 11 points in 32 minutes off the bench, hitting 4-for-6 from the floor and 3-for-4 from 3-point range with Berry adding 10 points in 10 minutes to go along with three assists and a rebound.
 
SUNY New Paltz is back in action Saturday afternoon for its regular season home finale in the Hawk Center. It will celebrate lone senior Karly Wittenbauer prior to the game, along with graduate Brianna Fitzgerald. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Hawk Center against the visiting Blue Devils from Fredonia.


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