OSWEGO, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team (1-4, 0-2 SUNYAC) fell to Oswego State (4-1, 1-1 SUNYAC) Saturday afternoon, 69-54. Senior guard Mark Lake, Jr. led the Bears with 12 points.

Potsdam got on the board first when senior guard Josh Lambert converted on one of two free throws at the 18:37 mark. Oswego answered soon after when senior forward Hayden Ward connected on a three ball to give the Lakers the early advantage. Both team jostled for position until Oswego's Sean Michele drained a three pointer, which sparked a 12-0 run with 14:41 remaining in the first half. Freshman forward Rob Lamont would stop the Oswego momentum at the 14:20 mark with a pair of free throws. The Bears slowly climbed back into the contest as junior forward Colin Peterson sank a jump shot to bring the score to within one. Oswego made a late push but junior forward Rob Duquette converted on two free throws with 42 second remaining to keep the Bears within three at the half.

Senior forward Curtis Pierce opened the second half with a three pointer to notch the game at 35 all. Both teams battled back-and-forth as they exchanged baskets in the first five minutes. Oswego began to separate from Potsdam at the 15:31 mark. Senior forward Chris Gilkes added a pair of free throws with 12:09 remaining to cap off another 12-0 Lakers run. Freshman guard Joe Estramonte ended the Bears drought with a big three at the 11:43 mark. Estramonte would spark a late push for Potsdam but the Lakers would hold off the charge and claim the 69-54 victory.

Duquette totaled nine points and seven boards for Potsdam. The Bears shot 45% from the floor and 17% from beyond the arch.

Ward had a career night for the Lakers. The senior recorded his 1,000th point while tallying a career high 29 points and 11 rebounds. Michele totaled 16 points and Gilkes added 11.

The Bears are back in action Tuesday, Dec. 4 versus North Country rival St. Lawrence University at 7 p.m. in Welsh Gymnasium.