CORTLAND, N.Y. — The SUNY Cortland Red Dragons overcame an early deficit to roll past the St. John Fisher Cardinals 99‑74 Tuesday night, demonstrating poise, depth, and offensive firepower in a game that highlighted their potential heading into conference play. The victory improved Cortland’s record to 4–1 on the young season, while Fisher fell to 2–3.
The game started disastrously for the Red Dragons. St. John Fisher jumped out to a 16‑0 lead in the opening five minutes, fueled by hot perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. Guard Alex Hayes led the charge with three early 3-pointers, finishing with a team-high 20 points, while Maxwell Schneider added 16. For a brief period, it appeared the Cardinals might dictate the tempo, but Cortland gradually chipped away at the lead with steady defensive pressure and timely scoring.
By halftime, Cortland had narrowed the gap, entering the locker room trailing by just six points. The shift in momentum was evident in the second half, when the Red Dragons unleashed a dominant 62‑37 performance. Shooting efficiency surged, Cortland hit 66 percent of their field goals (21‑of‑32) and 87.5 percent of free throws (14‑of‑16). Ball control was also key, with the Red Dragons committing only four turnovers in the half while forcing ten from Fisher, turning defensive stops into easy points.
Cortland’s scoring was well-balanced across its rotation, with senior guard Joel Davis and senior guard/forward Isaiah Austin each contributing 16 points. Sophomore guard Kendrick Wilson added 15 points, hitting three 3-pointers, while forward Aaron Coston chipped in 14. In total, eight players scored for Cortland, underlining the team’s depth and versatility. The balance ensured that Fisher could not focus defensive attention on a single player, allowing Cortland to maintain a steady offensive rhythm.
The Red Dragons’ shooting efficiency was a critical factor. They finished the game with 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. Their free-throw shooting was equally impressive, converting 85.2 percent of attempts. Meanwhile, Fisher shot 46 percent overall and 55.6 percent from three-point range. Despite the Cardinals’ hot shooting, 19 turnovers proved costly, allowing Cortland to generate 28 points off turnovers, a margin that ultimately widened the gap beyond reach.
Looking ahead, Cortland will begin conference play with home matchups against Oswego Lakers on Dec. 5 and Canton Kangaroos on Dec. 6. The Red Dragons’ combination of depth, shooting, and defensive intensity will be key as they seek to maintain momentum and contend for a top position in the SUNYAC standings. Fisher will regroup and attempt to correct early-game mistakes in preparation for its next outing, seeking a rebound after the midweek setback.
Cortland’s second-half performance demonstrated why the team is considered a contender in the SUNYAC this season. Balanced scoring, precise shooting, disciplined ball control, and relentless defense all contributed to a decisive win that sets a confident tone for the remainder of the season. The Red Dragons’ ability to respond to adversity, turning a 16-point early deficit into a 25-point victory, is a testament to their preparation, coaching, and determination.