The Red Dragons men’s basketball team would travel to Geneseo this past weekend as they would face off against the Knights. Cortland would defeat Geneseo in a close battle as the Red Dragons would win 67-60.
The Red Dragons held onto a lead for a majority of the second half and would bump their win streak to two. This would now mark their second victory against Geneseo on the season as they are set to play once more this coming week.
Senior Austin Grunder would lead Cortland to victory as he’d put up 30 points and 12 rebounds while dishing 4 assists as well. This victory for Cortland would clinch them the third seed in the SUNYAC basketball tournament.
Grunder would put up his 17th double double of the season, as is currently averaging 22 points per game as well as 12 rebounds per game. He’d shoot 10-22 from the field while making 7 out of his 8 free throw attempts, as well as three 3 pointers.
Junior Kareem Lubin would contribute big for Cortland as well, as he’d score 11 points and 2 steals. Lubin has been a silent contributor to Cortland, as he explosiveness and intense defense gives the edge the team needs to get over the hump and steal those close games.
Guard Riley McEvoy would contribute for Cortland as well, as he would put up 9 points as well as he would shoot 3-6 from the field.
Cortland would trail as much as 10 points in the first half as Geneseo were making all their baskets, being down 27-17. McEvoy would hit three consecutive 3 pointers, closing the gap to just a one point game. Geneseo would take the first half as they’d lead 39-33.
Cortland wouldn’t let Geneseo close in on them however, as the Red Dragons would go on a 10 point run and eventually take the lead, leading by as much as 10.
With time starting to wind down, Lubin would hit clutch shots to hold onto the lead, converting on a three point play with just two minutes left to go.
With time winding down, Geneseo would foul Grunder with 15 seconds left in hopes of missed free throws, but would drain both of them as Cortland would take the victory.
Cortland will be facing off against Geneseo once more this coming Tuesday, February 21st. It will be their final game before the playoffs start. So long as Cortland can defeat Geneseo this coming Tuesday, they will have all the motivation they need walking into the playoffs.