OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Oswego State men's basketball team began league action with a 61-57 victory over SUNYAC-foe Cortland on Saturday afternoon in Max Ziel Gymnasium. With the win, Oswego is now 5-2 on the year and 1-0 in the conference while the Red Dragons drop to 3-2, 0-1.

Oswego controlled the lead for the majority of the game and never trailed Cortland. In fact, other than the opening tip and being tied at 20-20, the Lakers had at least an edge on the Red Dragons for 39:25 of a possible 40 minutes. The Lakers also built up an advantage of as many as 14 early in the second half, but Cortland showed resilience, keeping it tight down the stretch. Despite having double the amount of turnovers than Cortland, Oswego was only outscored 11-9 in points off turnovers thanks to a stingy defense. Oswego also dominated on both sides of the glass, outrebounding the Red Dragons 49-34, including 15-9 on the offensive end. The defense was also able to hold Cortland to below 35.0% shooting from both the field and the 3-point line.

Senior guard Brian Sortino led all scorers with 20 points, including a 4-for-8 performance from beyond the arc. Next in the scoring column was classmate Keith Tyson, who missed a double-double by just one rebound. The forward posted 16 points to along with nine boards, two blocks, two assists and a steal. Tyson was only outrebounded by Mykelle Krecko, who collected a game-high 13 caroms. Of those 13, six came on the offensive glass, which also matched the senior's block total. Krecko made sure no Red Dragon player felt comfortable around the rim, turning away six shot attempts.

Also scoring in double figures for the Lakers was Jamir Ferebee with 10 points, six of which came from the charity stripe.

Every Laker that saw court time recorded at least one rebound to aid Krecko and Tyson, including Louis Avellinowith six, Sortino, Ferebee and Tyler Pierre each with four, Josh Ivey with three, Ian Schupp with a pair and Matt Crockett and Brandan Gartland each with one.

Oswego will return to action at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday when it travels to Oneonta to face the other set of SUNYAC Red Dragons.