BUFFALO, NY—The lead changed hands 15 times before visiting Cortland (9-10/7-6) used a late run to pull away from Buffalo State (11-9/7-6) for a 70-60 victory in a SUNYAC contest this afternoon at the Sports Arena.

Ashley Wallace (Lockport/Starpoint) had 15 points and nine rebounds to lead Buffalo State.  Bianca Smiley (Amherst/Sweet Home) had 12 points and nine boards, and Olivia Luciani (Syracuse/E. Syracuse-Minoa) scored 11 points, while Shay Jackson (Syracuse/Henninger) had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The first half featured seven lead changes and ended with Cortland holding a 30-28 edge.  The lead continued to bounce back and forth for most of the second half until the Red Dragons broke a 52-52 tie with just over five minutes to play.  Cortland pushed the lead down the stretch, connecting on 10 free throws in the final 1:09.

Buffalo State could not overcome 22 turnovers that resulted in 29 Cortland points.  The Red Dragons committed just 11 turnovers and outscored Buffalo State 14-5 at the free throw line.  The Bengals hit just 5 of 11 attempts at the charity stripe.  Cortland shot 49-percent from the field, while Buffalo State shot 42-percent.

Buffalo State will travel to first-place New Paltz next Friday at 6 p.m.