MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly Women's Basketball Team (17-7, 15-2 NEAC) beat Keuka (8-14, 7-10 NEAC) 42-38 Friday night to clinch first place in the NEAC. By taking first place the Wildcats will host the NEAC Conference Tournament next weekend.

Geena Gallo (Ballston Spa, N.Y. / Ballston Spa) continued her hot streak leading the home team with 16 points. Combined with Molly MacLachlan (Marceulles, N.Y. / Marcellus), who had 10 points of her own, the duo scored over half of the team's points. 

The Wildcats started the first half on a 13-2 run over seven minutes with six different players contributing points. SUNY Poly was able to maintain control for the first half but Keuka wouldn't go down without a fight. The Wolfpack chipped away at the home team's lead to close the gap to three by the half. The Wildcats went into the locker room leading 24-21.

The second half was played much closer than the first but SUNY Poly never lost control of the lead. A huge role in keeping the 'Cats in the game was their strong offensive rebounding creating several second chances by pulling down 10. With 2:41 remaining, the Wildcats only led by one but Gallo, MacLachlan, and Barrie Brooks (Utica, N.Y. / Utica-Proctor) combined for seven free throws to seal the deal. 

Brooks finished with six points to lead all other scorers. Lauren Knowles (Salisbury Mills, N.Y. / Washingtonville) pulled down a team high 15 rebounds adding three points and four blocks. MacLachlan added 11 rebounds of her own.

This is the first time SUNY Poly will host the tournament since the 2011-12 season and only the second time since the Wildcats joined the NEAC. The 2011-12 team fell to Keuka in the conference championship finishing their season at 22-5, a program best.