MARCY, N.Y.- The SUNYIT Men's Basketball team (16-8, 11-6) dropped a hard fought battle to the NEAC's top ranked Lancaster Bible College (17-7, 15-2 NEAC) 90-78 on Friday Night.
The game got off to a rocky start for the Wildcats as Lancaster Bible was able to jump out to an early 10 point lead. The Chargers shot a stifling 56% from the field which included almost 60% from beyond the arc in the first half. The hot shooting pushed the visitors lead to as much as 20 points, as they seemingly had an answer for every Wildcat basket. This played a big role in propelling them to a 55-37 lead at the half.
Halftime adjustments by the Wildcats made a huge difference as the hosts were able to go on a 15-3 run early in the half to cut their deficit to just four points. The run was capped of by a Kaleel Johnson's (Syracuse, N.Y. / Syracuse Acad. of Science) rebound put back following a huge Sallo Fofana (Bronx, N.Y. / George Washington) block. Johnson would score 10 of his 16 points in the second half to help lead the charge.
The remainder of the second half was a back and forth battle with the teams exchanging baskets. A pair of Ryan James (Saratoga Springs, N.Y. / Saratoga Springs) free throws brought the Wildcats to within two points with just under 8 minutes remaining in the game. The Chargers again had the answer though as they tightened up their defense and were able to go on an 8-0 run over a 3 minute stretch late in the half.
The Wildcats continued to battle but were unable to complete the comeback as the closest they came was within 6 points following the late Lancaster run. Late free throws by the Chargers proved to be too much as they were able to seal the victory by a score of 90-78.
The Wildcats were lead by freshmen Sallo Fofana (Bronx, N.Y. / George Washington) who tallied a season high 27 points to go along with 7 rebounds as well as Ryan James who added 24 points to the Wildcats attack. Lancaster had 4 players score in double figures that included 18 points from both Albert Suniga and CJ Dunston.
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday at Noon as they host Penn St.- Berks in their final home game of the season.
