CORTLAND, N.Y. – The SUNYAC playoffs are here, and Cortland is ready to fight after a rollercoaster final weekend.
The Cortland men’s basketball team closed out its regular season with mixed results; first taking a tough 79-45 loss at Oswego before bouncing back with a strong 67-52 win over Canton. After the split, the Red Dragons (14-11, 13-5 SUNYAC) locked in the third seed for the conference tournament and will host Oneonta in a must win first round matchup on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Some nights, the shots just don’t fall. That was the story for Cortland on Friday in its matchup against Oswego, where the Red Dragons struggled to find any rhythm. The Lakers capitalized on a dominant 20-1 run in the first half and never looked back, heading into halftime with a 39-14 lead. Cortland shot just 20% from the field and beyond the arc, making it nearly impossible to keep up.
Despite the rough outing, Kendall Arcuri (#40) was a bright spot, leading the team with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Aaron Coston (#24) added eight points, seven boards, and three assists, while Joel Davis (#23) battled on the glass with nine rebounds.
Photo from SUNY Cortland Athletics
While the loss stung, the Red Dragons didn’t dwell on it for long. With the playoffs around the corner, they knew they had to bounce back fast.
And bounce back they did. The day after their loss to Oswego, Cortland showed up in Canton with renewed energy, playing tough defense and executing on offense to take a 67-52 victory.
Kendrick Wilson (#3) was lights out from deep, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to 16 points. Davis continued his stellar play with his ninth double-double of the season, finishing with 11 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Coston and Arcuri also put in strong all around performances, combining for 16 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists.
The Red Dragons got off to a strong start, turning a slim 14-11 lead into a commanding 27-11 advantage in just a few minutes, thanks to big shots from Wilson and Hajjar. Canton fought to stay in it, but Cortland’s defense held them to just 28% shooting and a brutal 2-for-20 from three-point range.
“I believe it’s the everyday dedication that has truly shaped our team’s identity,” said Andrew Hemmer, manager of the team. Each practice, filled with our commitment to getting shots up and improving, contributes to our growth. Since September, we’ve formed a strong sense of unity and resilience, learning from one another and pushing each other to get better every day.”
With the regular season in the books, it’s all about the playoffs now. Cortland will host Oneonta on Tuesday night in a win or go home first round battle. Playing on their home court is a big advantage, but Oneonta won’t go down easy.
Photo from SUNY Cortland Athletics
To make a deep run, Cortland will need the entire squad to bring the same defensive intensity they showed against Canton. If they can get past Oneonta, a rematch with Oswego could be on the horizon; a chance for redemption after last week’s loss.
“A true champion is not defined by wins and losses, but by the ability to rise after every loss and keep fighting and that’s what we plan to do in the playoffs,” said senior guard Jaylen Womack (#2). “Keep fighting.”
The stage is set. Now, it’s time to see what the Red Dragons are made of.
Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Tuesday—don’t miss it.