With number one in the SUNYAC on the line, the Oswego State Men's Basketball team lost a hard fought battle against rival Plattsburgh, 66-59.
There was hope for the Lakers who brought it to within four late in the second half after being down by as much as 16 thanks to some late game heroics from Brian Sortino.
"I don't really care about scoring," said Sortino who led all scorers with 25 points including the last 13 points for the Lakers. "My teammates trust me with the ball, if I have to make a play I'll go do it."
The Lakers started the game out strong with a 10-1 run, but Plattsburgh's rebounding and inside game led by senior Reggie Williams, proved to be too much for Oswego. The Lakers lost the rebounding battle 43-27 and gave up 11 offensive rebounds to the Cardinals.
"They have a very proven and physical inside presence with Williams that commands a double team." Head Coach Jason Leone said. Williams finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.
To try and protect the paint, the Lakers played a 2-3 zone for the majority of the contest, which caused 17 Plattsburgh turnovers to Oswego's 10. But this left the Lakers vulnerable to open three-point jumpers, which Plattsburgh knocked down nine of.
"Our plan coming into the game was to play more zone than we did in the first meeting." Coach Leone said. "They just made more plays down the stretch, and that's what it comes down to this time of the year, but I'm proud of our guys, they played hard."
This game completes a season sweep for Plattsburgh and puts them a half-game ahead of Oswego in the SUNYAC conference. The Lakers have two more games in the regular season remaining, the first coming on the road against third seeded Geneseo on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
