Last Minute Rally Lifts Wildcats

SUNY Poly scored six points in the final 45 seconds to earn an 86-85 victory over Alfred State on Tuesday afternoon. The contest featured nine lead changes and eight ties.

The blue & gold led 41-39 at the half and led by 80-72 with just over two and a half minutes left in the contest. THe Pioneers continued to lead in the final minute, 85-80 before the Wildcats put together their furious comeback. Malik Johnson hit a lay-up, Peyton Griffiths hit two foul shots after a turnover, and Johnson hit the game-winning lay-up with six seconds left. Tyrone Davis (Brooklyn/Benjamin Banneker) had a buzzer beater three-pointer rattle in and out of the basket.

Juwan Toliver (Buffalo/McKinley) was 10 for 14 from the field and led the Pioneers with 21 points. He also grabbed nine boards. Justin Wallace (Mt. Vernon/Mt. St. Michael) connected on four three-pointers and finished with 18 points off the bench while Davis had 14. 

Johnson led SUNY Poly (5-4) led the team with 20 points on 8 for 10 shooting. Quayshaun Mitchell scored 18 and grabbed nine boards, Griffiths had 13, and Kevin Williams chipped in 12.

The Pioneers shot 48.5% (33 for 68) from the foul line while the Wildcats shot 45.5%. SUNY Poly hit eight three-pointers compared to Alfred State's five.

The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday when they travel to John Jay College for a 6 p.m. tip-off.