Bialecki's Late Basket Lifts Alfred State

Catherine Bialecki (Alfred Almond) scored with under seven seconds left to lift Alfred State to a 58-57 victory over Hilbert on Wednesday evening. The Lady Pioneers are now 11-7 on the season.

The blue & gold jumped out to a 12-9 lead after the 1st quarter and built their lead to 33-22 at halftime. Hilbert cut the lead to single digits, 47-38, heading in the final quarter. They continued their run in the 4th and took at 57-56 lead with 1:13 remaining when Kelsi Ebert connected on two foul shots.

Missed shots by each team followed by turnovers set up the Pioneers with their final possession. After a timeout by Hilbert with 19 seconds remaining, Kelly Kane (Wellsvile) found Bialecki who went to the hole strong for the game-winner. The Hawks had one last chance as time expired but the long distance shot fell short.

Bialecki continued her solid play with a game-high 32 points and 11 rebounds. She finished the day 13 for 23 from the field and 6 for 6 from the foul line. Steffanie Preston (Groton) finished with eight points while Kane chipped in six points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Alfred State shot 45.6% from the field and hit 6 of their 8 foul shots. The team forced the Hawks into 21 turnovers.

Ebert led Hilbert with 18 points and seven boards while Taylor Corts came off the bench and added 11 points and seven rounds. The Hawks shot 35.6% from the field, hit 6 of 24 three-point attempts, and connected on 9 of their 13 foul shot attempts.

The Pioneers have just over a week off before returning to action on Friday (2/10) vs. SUNY Canton. Opening tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.