Brooklyn, NY- The Cougars defeated #22 Oswego State Lakers 73-68 on Monday January 9, 2012. The Cougars improved their record to 9-6 while the Lakers fell to 9-3. This is the 1st time, that MEC has beaten a ranked opponent in many years.

The Cougars were coached by Assistant Allen Fields. Head Coach Chris Pursoo was ill and couldn't make it to the game. Coach Fields knew this was a great game to make his coaching debut. Oswego St. was a tough challenge, entering the night #22 in the nation.

The Cougars didn't play well to start the game, but held the Lakers to not make a shot until 17:44 left in the half. MEC would tie the game at 2, on a jumper from Jarrel Deare. After both teams made a shot, the Cougars would trail, largest being 11pts and 15 minutes of the half. MEC took the lead, after a nice layup in the paint from Freshman Brian Johnson (35-34) with 1:40 left. After a pair of free throws from Hayden Ward of Oswego St., making the score 36-35 with 1:38 left, MEC would score the final 3pts of the half, a free throw from Kayode Prime and a dunk from Winston Douglas to end the half 38-36.

In the 1st half, MEC shot 37.9% from the field, 30% from behind the arc, and 65% from the free throw line. Oswego St. shot 39.3% from the field, 25% from behind the arc, and 100% (7-7) from the free throw line.

The 2nd half, started in the Cougars favor. Winston Douglas caught an alley oop from Jovan Deare, giving MEC a 4pt lead. The Lakers would make a pair of shots, giving them the lead 41-40 with 18:36 left in the game. MEC would regain the lead and extend it to 5pts before the Lakers would tie the score at 48. Both teams would exchange free throws and would regain the lead 50-49 with 13:10 left. MEC would never relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. They led by as much as 7pts.

In the half, MEC shot 44% from the field, 33.3% from behind the arc, and 73.3% from the free throw line. Oswego St. shot 34.4% from the field, 27.2% from behind the arc, and 50% from the free throw line.

MEC was led by Winston Douglas. The Junior Forward scored a game high 23pts, grabbed 11 rebounds, tallied 2 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. Jovan Deare scored 15pts, grabbed 6 rebounds and recorded 3 assists. Jarrel Deare added 12pts and grabbed 5 rebounds.

Oswego St. was led by Hayden Ward, who scored 18pts. Chad Burridge scored 12pts.

MEC will be back in action on Wednesday January 11th, 2012 when they play against conference rival and division foe York College Cardinals. Game time is 8pm at MEC.