BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The College at Brockport men's basketball team remained undefeated as they opened State University of New York Athletic Conference play, posting a 93-83 win against SUNY Oneonta in their Friday night home opener.
The Golden Eagles (5-0, 1-0 SUNYAC) were strong on defense all night, forcing 25 total turnovers by the Red Dragons (1-4, 0-1 SUNYAC). Brockport was smart on offense as well, as they shot 48.7 percent from the field.
The Green and Gold were strong defensively in the opening twenty minutes of play, forcing 16 Red Dragon turnovers. It was a close battle, tied 16-16 at 11:18, but Brockport would open the game up with a 16-4 run, giving them a 32-20 lead at 8:10. The Brockport defense fought to not give up their lead, as they took a 50-40 advantage into halftime.
The Golden Eagles controlled the game for most of the first half, thanks to three players scoring in double digits. Starting guard Hamed Shamseldin scored 11 points, while both Clifton Lyerly and Marcus Blythers chipped in 10 points each, with Blythers adding four first half blocks. The Green and Gold took advantage of the opponent's turnovers, scoring 23 points off of the Red Dragon mistakes.
Little changed going into the second half as Brockport went on a 9-4 run that gave them a 59-44 lead at 17:19. The Red Dragons would battle back to pull within 10, but the Green and Gold squad erupted, posting a 14-4 run to take their largest lead of the night, 91-71 at 04:19. Oneonta battled in the remaining four minutes, but Brockport held on for the 93-83 win.
Devonn Gavin went on a tear in the second half scoring 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field and finished with 21 total points. Lyerly lead both teams in scoring with 24 points and 11 rebounds, giving him his first double-double of the season. Shamseldin chipped in 14 points of his own while Matthew Smith added four assists.
The Golden Eagles will return to action Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 pm, in a SUNYAC matchup, as they host New Paltz.
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