MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNYIT Men's Basketball team (7-4, 2-3) used a team effort Wednesday night, using an explosive second half to defeat visiting Wells College (6-9, 5-3) 85-73. The win comes less than 48 hours after SUNYIT lost to the Express in Aurora, N.Y., and snaps a six-game losing streak to the Express dating back to February of 2011.

The Wildcats went down early when Wells College was able to start the game on a 16-6 run. The hosts clawed their way back, however, taking their first lead 35-33 with just 1:49 left in the half on a pair of Sallo Fofana (Bronx, N.Y./ George Washington) free throws. Sallo would go on to lead all scorers with 20 points and added 5 rebounds.

With 8 Wildcats tallying points and 5 in double figures, the hosts were able to take over the game in the second half. Starting the half on a 15-4 run over the first 6 minutes the Wildcats left little doubt late in the game. The hosts shot 69% from the floor and 50% from 3-point range in the second half putting the game out of reach late in the second half.

The Wildcats leaned heavily on the play of Maverick Hodge (Bronx, N.Y./ Samuel Gompers) who tallied 15 points on 7-10 shooting to go along with 6 assists and 3 steals. Kaleel Johnson (Syracuse, N.Y./ Syr. Acad. Of Science) also had a big game for the hosts scoring 13 points, and adding 5 boards.

Wells College had 12 players tally points in the losing effort with Jonathan Hurtado leading the way with 15.

The Wildcats return to action Saturday at 1:00 pm to take on Gallaudet in another NEAC battle. The women's game will follow at 3:00 pm.