ESF Fights Back to Defeat Alfred State

Despite finding themselves down 14 points early in the second half, the Mighty Oaks fought their way back to defeat the Pioneers of Alfred State, 74-67, Jan. 17 at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central.

Most of the first half was tight, with the teams exchanging baskets and neither leading by more than four points. Sophomores Dan Treadwell and Ryan Caldwell led the charge early for the Mighty Oaks as they accounted for 14 of ESF's 30 first-half points. Alfred State finished the first half on a 12-3 run, including a basket right at the buzzer, to lead the Mighty Oaks 42-30 at the half.

At the start of the second half, Alfred State carried on its momentum from the first half, going up as many as 14 points.

The Mighty Oaks then turned up their defense, holding the visitors scoreless for six minutes. Senior Suthod Young was a steady presence on the defensive end, stifling the Pioneers' interior game. Freshman Zane Paradies came off the bench and sank two crucial three-point baskets to give ESF the lead with six minutes remaining in the game. Combining a stout defense, offensive execution and crucial free-throw conversions, the Mighty Oaks were able to hold on to get the victory and avenge a loss to the Pioneers earlier in the season.

Young had a double-double 19 points and 15 rebounds. Treadwell tallied 14 points and 7 assists. Paradies scored a career high 14 points off the bench including four three pointers.

The men's basketball team take the court again on Martin Luther King Day versus SUNY Canton at SRC Arena on Jan. 19. Both teams also will participate in the kickoff of the Coaches vs. Cancer "Suits and Sneakers" week.