POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team (9-13, 6-9 SUNYAC) hosted The College at Brockport (14-9, 9-7 SUNYAC) for Senior Day on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Eagles defeated the Bears, 73-60. Senior captain Curtis Pierce led Potsdam with 24 points and nine rebounds. Junior forward Brandon Williams recorded a double-double performance with 13 points and 11 boards.

Brockport shot out of the gate to open up the first half. The Golden Eagles notched the first field goal of the contest at the 19:06 mark. Junior forward Matt Lee would fuel a 7-0 run in two minutes to swing the momentum in Brockport's favor. Pierce would give the Bears their first bucket with 17:47 remaining. The Golden Eagles continued to roll as they extended their spurt to 14-4 just five minutes into the game. Potsdam clawed their way back from the deficit. A big three pointer by junior forward Colin Peterson at the 4:37 mark would bring the Bears within five points of Brockport. However, junior guard John Ivy responded with a three 13 seconds later to deflate the Potsdam push. Lee would add to the Brockport lead with 1:07 remaining with a big three point basket to give the Golden Eagles a 40-27 advantage at the break.

Potsdam remained determined to make a comeback in the second half. The Bears would mount a charge to start the final stanza. Junior forward Rob Duquette would grab an offensive rebound and make the put back basket to bring Potsdam within seven at the 17:18 mark. Brockport answered again with a 7-0 run in the next four minutes to increase the lead to 14 points. The Golden Eagles used the momentum and a layup by sophomore forward Mike Gallagher gave Brockport its largest lead of the game with 11:38 remaining. Potsdam continued to battle and a slash to the basket by senior guard Josh Lambert cut the lead to seven points at the 2:07 mark. Solid free throw shooting for the Golden Eagles would hold off the Bears charge and seal the 73-60 win.

Potsdam shot 36% from the floor and 33% from the three-point line. Brockport finished shooting 44% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. The Bears held the edge in rebounds with 46 to the Golden Eagles' 37. Potsdam struggled from the free throw line, shooting 55%. Senior guard Mark Lake, Jr. finished with 11 points and five boards.

Ivy led the Golden Eagles with 20 points. Lee added 18 points and nine rebounds. Junior guard Brandon Caruthers totaled 17 points to round out the top Brockport scorers.

“I thought we did some good things throughout the game,” said Head Coach Sherry Dobbs. “We rebounded very well. We dug ourselves a hole in the first half and just weren't able to finish in the second. Curtis played very well and Brandon Williams brought great energy to the floor.”

The Bears return to action Tuesday, Feb. 12 when they travel to rival SUNY Plattsburgh. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.