POTSDAM, N.Y.- Junior Katy Briedis scored 15 of her game-high 17 points in the second half and led Potsdam (5-18, 3-13 SUNYAC) to an upset victory over first-place Oneonta, 57-51. The Bears connected on seven three-point baskets and held the Red Dragons (16-7, 14-3) to only 33 percent shooting from the field, including 26.7 percent in the second half.

Potsdam came out of the gate hot and knocked down 3-of-4 shots to jump out to a 6-2 lead which forced the Red Dragons to call a timeout. The stoppage of play wouldn't slow the Bears and they extended the lead to 13-4 thanks to a jumper from Sophie Parks. Oneonta St. would cut the lead to 15-12 but sophomore Hannah Kmiecinski (Webster, N.Y./Webster Thomas) knocked down a three. The Red Dragons continued to fight but couldn't draw even. Sophomore Jessica Kouzan hit back-to-back three-pointers to give Potsdam a 30-23 lead which would be cut to 30-25 going into the break. Freshman Bailey Weigel paced the Bears with nine first half points, while the Red Dragons were led by Samantha Szkotak who had 12.

Oneonta began the half on a 6-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 31-30. They would push the lead to 33-31 but Briedis hit a three and start an 8-0 run. Oneonta would fight back and tie the game at 41 but Briedis would answer with another timely three-point basket. Again the Red Dragons clawed back and knotted the game at 46 with just over four minutes remaining. It was Briedis again giving the Bears a lead with a steal at mid court and a breakaway layup. Oneonta answered with a three by Szkotak to take a 49-48 lead as only 2:30 remained. Weigel hit a driving layup and gave Potsdam a slight one point lead which they wouldn't relinquish. A Briedis free throw made the score 51-49 and Oneonta had possession with 37 seconds on the clock. Senior Kaley Arsenault made the defensive play of the game on the Red Dragons ensuing play as she came from nowhere to block a layup attempt that would have tied the game. Kouzan and Briedis would ice the victory with clutch free throws down the stretch.  

Weigel finished with 14 points and Kouzan had nine points and six rebounds. Potsdam shot 42.2 percent from the field and hit 35 percent from the three point line in the win.

The Red Dragons were led by 16 points from Szkotak who was the only Oneonta player to score in double-digits. The loss knocked the Red Dragons out of first place and into a tie for second in the SUNYAC.

Coach Tara Ruckh was happy with her team's performance.

"Tonight, we were able to put it all together," said Ruckh. "We attacked them offensively and forced them out of their zone and we executed our game plan on the defensive end. Katy made some big shots down the stretch and everyone contributed in one way or another."

She also had praise for her seniors who played in their final home game tonight.

"I am really proud of the senior and happy for them. They were able to end their career with a big win and take out the top team in our conference."  

The Bears look to carry the momentum from tonight on to their next game.  Potsdam travels to Geneseo with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday night.