Last Friday, marked a momentous occasion for the Cortland basketball team as they triumphed over Buffalo State with a 30-point victory in their Senior game. This win catapulted them to the second seed in the upcoming SUNYAC Playoffs.
The momentum from their Senior game spilled over into the following day when Cortland faced off against Fredonia in their final game of the regular season. The team secured another win, closing their regular season with an 18-7 overall standing, setting the stage for a promising postseason.
Key to Cortland’s recent success were standout performances from Emily Morano, Brooke Tillotson, Lily Woodis, Abby Wilkinson, and Logan Streety. These athletes emerged as the top scorers in the pivotal game against Buff State. Streety, emphasizing her commitment to limiting Buff State’s offensive rebounds, underscoring the impact of her height on the court.
One comeback story added to the team’s success was Morano, who battled back from a major knee injury. She broke her knee cap and was out in the beginning half of the season. Despite the adversity, Morano showcased her scoring prowess with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, proving her resilience and determination on the court. One of her teammates Kaeli McAnally said Marano was one of the key players that led to their success.
Woodis also played a pivotal role, contributing 14 points to the team’s overall success. Tillotson notched 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and achieved a career-high eight assists.
The team’s success was not only attributed to individual performance, but also to the collective effort and teamwork that defined their play. McAnally pointed to factors such as “good ball movement, easy transition buckets, and communication on defense” emphasizing the importance of the team’s cohesiveness while playing.
Streety finished the game with 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, and secured both offensive and defensive contributions.
Meanwhile, Wilkinson’s precision on the court was evident in her performance. She made all three field goal attempts, two from beyond the arc, and converted 5-of-6 free throws. Wilkinson concluded the game with a stat line of 13 points, three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
The first half of the game showcased a fierce battle. Both teams displayed good shooting skills resulting in a neck-and-neck score. However, Cortland gained control in the second half, establishing a substantial lead over Buffalo State. The Red Dragons entered the halftime break with a 50-37 lead, fueled by a 7-3 advantage in made 3-pointers and a five-point edge on the foul line. Cortland continued their dominance in the third quarter, ultimately securing the victory and solidifying their position as a formidable force in the upcoming playoffs.
Reflecting on the season’s culmination, Senior captain Morano said, “Since the seasons are coming to an end, we’ve really put emphasis on having fun. We play our best when we don’t put too much pressure on ourselves and support each other no matter what.”