The Oswego State men's basketball team fell short in its bid for the Max Ziel Basketball Classic title as the Lakers lost to Keystone College, 76-72, on Saturday in Oswego. Chad Burridge scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but it was not enough as Oswego State fell to 1-1. Keystone remained unbeaten at 3-0 to claim the Max Ziel Basketball Classic Championship.

Chris GIlkes chipped in 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting in only 26 minutes of action to keep the Lakers close throughout the game. Conor Monaghan also finished in double-digits with 10 points.

Both teams shot over 50 percent from the field in the first half in a high scoring affair. The Lakers only attempted five free throws compared to 14 for the Giants in the first period. The Giants also took care of the ball better, committing only six turnovers, while the Lakers had 11. Oswego State out-rebounded Keystone 18-11 on the glass and the half ended in a 41-41 tie.

The lead changed hands 13 times during the contest and was never more than eight for either squad. Both teams shot over 50 percent again in the second half. Keystone's Mike Kelly played the entire second half, scoring 12 points in the half to finish with 22. He also grabbed seven rebounds and finished 6-for-6 from the charity stripe to earn the Tournament Most Valuable Player.

The Lakers battled back from an eight-point deficit to tie the game at 72 on a Gilkes lay-up with 56 seconds left.  After a contested jumper by Tercel Taylor gave the Giants a two-point lead, Laker Sean Michele missed a jump shot and Giant Gary Robinson ran the floor to get an easy lay-up and seal the 76-72 triumph.

Oswego State will look to rebound from the loss on Saturday when it travels to Ithaca to face the Bombers on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 4 p.m.