POTSDAM, N.Y.- Potsdam (4-17, 2-12) held the lead for 10 minutes in the second half but ultimately came up short against Buffalo St. by a score of 88-79. Rob Duquette scored a game-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting while Justin Mitchell led the Bengals with 23 points and nine rebounds.

Both teams played tight defense and combined to force 11 turnovers in the first five minutes with the Bengals (17-3, 10-3) having seven of those turnovers. Bufffalo St. held the early advantage on the scoreboard, 19-15 largely because they hit 3-of-5 shots from long range. Duquette led the charge for Potsdam early and accounted for eight of the first 15 points.

However, the Bears went through a three-minute stretch where they failed to score and the Bengals extended the lead to 10 with 8:19 remaining. Senior Brad Drysdale ended the scoreless streak with a driving layup and the Bears forced a 35-second violation on the ensuing possession.

Sophomore Tony Efese answered with a three to cut the deficit to five. Potsdam continued to chip away at the lead and cut it to 45-41 going into the half. Turnovers continued to play a big part of the game with Buffalo St. accounting for 14 first half miscues while the Bears had 11. Duquette continued his strong play with 12 first half points while Jake Simmons led the Bengals with 10.

Potsdam came out firing to start the second half and a three-point basket by Efese gave the Bears a 49-48 lead. The Bengals responded with a quick run to regain the lead but the Bears stormed back with an 8-0 spurt capped by a three-point play from Drysdale to take a 59-54 lead. Buffalo St. was able to cut into the lead multiple times but Potsdam refused to allow the Bengals to take the lead.

However, a 9-0 spurt finally gave the Bengals a lead with four and a half minutes remaining. Freshman Zac Adams finished a fast break layup to cut the Bengals lead to one but Nico McLean buried a three to extend the lead to 81-77. Buffalo St. was able to convert on their free throws down the stretch to ensure the victory.

For the game, Potsdam shot 49.1 percent from the field including 54.2 percent in the second half. Curtis Pierce recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 rebounds and Efese chipped in 12 points.

The Bengals converted on 50.8 percent of their field goals for the game and hit 46.7 percent from three point land. Buffalo St. held a 38-33 advantage in rebounding and forced 20 Potsdam turnovers.

The Bears return to action next Friday when they host Plattsburgh at 8 p.m.