MARCY, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly women's basketball team defeated Lancaster Bible 76-70 in the most anticipated game of the season for the Wildcats. The game had serious implications for the two teams. Win and host the NEAC Championship, lose and travel to play in the post season. The Wildcats came in ready for the game of the year.

The Wildcats and the Chargers battled back and forth in the first half with SUNY Poly leading by five at the break. The Chargers would show some toughness, regaining the lead in the third and extending it to seven points with seven minutes remaining. From that point, down by seven, the Wildcats put together a 19-4 run giving them an eight-point lead with just 24 seconds to play.

Khristaijah Jackson (Levittown, Pa.) had a team high 20 points and a team high 10 rebounds in the game. The double-double was her team leading 10th of the season. Jackson also tied her season high with four steals in the game and had two blocks.

Stevie Ray (Syracuse, N.Y.) had 19 points in the game. The senior drained three three-pointers in the game and had seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.

Ryenn Smith (Lyons, N.Y.) nearly had a double-double off the bench in 23 minutes of play. The senior had 11 points on five of six from the field and had nine rebounds. Four of her rebounds were on the offensive glass, two of which resulted in put back points for the Wildcats.

For Lancaster Emily Morgan had a team high 20 points. She shot 53 percent from the field and had two rebounds and an assist in 27 minutes. Caitlin Hickey and Kirsten Webster each had 14 for the Chargers. Hickey had a four assists and three rebounds. Webster had four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Courtney Goyak had a nice game on the boards for Lancaster. In 35 minutes, Goyak pulled in 19 boards and had eight points.  

The Wildcats improve to 22-2 on the year and clinch the top spot in the NEAC with a 16-1 record. The team will host the NEAC Tournament next weekend. Before the post season however, the Wildcats will celebrate their senior day on Saturday against Penn State Berks. The game is scheduled for 1:00 PM with a short pregame ceremony scheduled for 12:45 at SUNY Poly's Campus Center Gym.