The Oswego Laker Men's Basketball team defeated Cortland 81-67 using a relentless effort on Friday evening in a crucial conference contest. With this win, the Lakers improve to 8-3, and 4-0 in SUNYAC, Cortland drops to 8-2 and 2-2. The Lakers now sit very comfortable at first place in the standing SUNYAC standings.
In the first half, Oswego connected early as freshman Dustin Pond grabbed a rebound off a missed 3-ptr from Cortland. Pond outlet the ball to senior Walter Sampson who tallied two points with a layup to get Oswego on the board first 2-0. Rashawn Powell responded with rebound just 11-seconds later then took it down the court for layup to put Oswego up 4-0. This effort would continue throughout the first half as the squad secured a 23 point lead going into the second half. The Lakers shot lights out through the first 20 minutes, hitting 65.5% of their field goals, and going 6 for 9 from three-point land.
Sampson led the squad through the second half with 11-points. The Red Dragon's would try to mount a comeback posting 43 points but it proved not to be enough as the Lakers kept consistent defensive pressure. The squad shot well from the charity stripe in the last 20-minutes of the contest shooting 66.7% of their free throws. Sampson went 3-4, Brian Sortino 2-4 and guard Elijah McLaurin went 2-2 just in the second half.
The Lakers were unstoppable offensively throughout, ending the contest shooting over 50% from both the field and behind the arc. Sortino carried the Lakers finishing with team high 20-points and an assist. Sampson did his part filling the stat sheet with 18 points, five assists and two steals. Alex Rawa went a perfect 2-for-2 from the three-point line.
Pond and Powell each helped control the glass, recording five rebounds a-piece.
Oswego will continue on the road to Brockport for another SUNYAC contest against the Golden Eagles on at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
