Sports

By Nicholas Serrata, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sherod Harris (right) scored 43 points in two games as the Golden Eagles trounced New Paltz (109-81) and Oneonta (103-71) during the weekend.

Eagles wallop SUNYAC rivals

By Jim Krencik

STAFF WRITER

The depth of Brockport’s men’s basketball team was evident Saturday, as the Golden Eagles outpaced New Paltz in a 109-81 victory that finished a three-win week.

With playing time spread-out among 19 players, Brockport (13-4 overall, 6-2 State University of New York Athletic Conference) was able to force New Paltz (8-8, 3-6 SUNYAC) into a fast-paced game that left the Hawks tired and frustrated.

“We knew that if they had to run with us late in the game we would win,” Brockport coach Nelson Whitmore said. “We were able to rotate all of our guys in and they couldn’t keep up.”

The Golden Eagles held the lead for the entire game, pushing New Paltz into a double-digit deficit five minutes into the game. The Hawks managed to pull within six points halfway through the first half, but Brockport responded with a 14-4 scoring run that reestablished their big lead.

In the second half, Brockport’s lead was cut to 11 points with 11 minutes remaining, but the Golden Eagles were able to keep putting in fresh players who could outrun the Hawks. The lead quickly ballooned, and the Golden Eagles went on a 23-4 run that put the game away.

Brandon Williams had his third double-double in four games, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Sherod Harris and Shawn Harris both recorded 14 points, and Seth Johnson scored 12.

While the Golden Eagles had not lost to the Hawks since 2002, Whitmore said the game was just as important as the other games on the schedule. “We had the same goals we always do,” Whitmore said. “At this point in the season, we are treating every game like a playoff game.”

Earlier in the week, the Eagles defeated Cortland 72-63 on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and Oneonta 103-71 on Friday, Jan. 26. The wins put Brockport at the top of the SUNYAC conference, and after losing three games consecutively earlier in the month, the Eagles are heading into the end of the month on a five-game winning streak.

The Golden Eagles returned to action Tuesday night with a road game against Geneseo. The Knights defeated Brockport 84-73 on Jan. 12 in a game that saw Brockport get whistled for a Chase Tournament-record 40 personal fouls.

The Eagles have two more SUNYAC games this week, with a Friday game at Fredonia and a Saturday match-up with Oswego in Tuttle.