POTSDAM, N.Y.- In their first home SUNYAC contest, the SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team (4-5, 2-2 SUNYAC) defeated Brockport by a score of 58-56. Sophomore Hannah Kmiecinski knocked down a clutch free throw and sophomore Jessica Kouzan poured in a game high 19 points.

The Golden Eagles (1-6, 0-2 SUNYAC) jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead to start the game but Potsdam would respond. Senior Kaley Arsenault got the Bears on the board with a jumper. Brockport maintained control and held a 11-10 lead at the 11:34 mark. The Bears would surge ahead using a 10-0 run. Kouzan knocked down two three-pointers in the run and junior Adedoyin Akingba scored two points, grabbed three rebounds and dished out two assists in the spurt. Potsdam would hold the Golden Eagles without a FG for 7:52 and the Bears would head into the half with a 30-22 advantage. For the half, the leading scorer was freshman Bailey Weigel who used aggressive play to get to the line eight times, converting seven, and added a jumper to give her nine points in the half.

The Bears scored the first seven points of the second half, capped by a three-pointer by Kmiecinski. Brockport wouldn’t go down without a fight and cut the lead to 39-37 thanks to a 15-2 rally. Kouzan converted a three-point play to stop the spurt and ignited a 7-0 run for the Bears. Momentum continued to shift the rest of the half and a Brockport basket tied the game at 50 with 3:05 remaining. Junior Katy Briedis converted a three-point play after a steal by Weigel. Another jumper by Briedis gave the Bears a 57-52 lead but with 47 seconds remaining Brockport knocked down a three to cut the lead to two. On their next possession Rachel Csakany was fouled with nine seconds remaining but was only able to convert one of the two free throws. Kmiecinski knocked down one-of-two from the line and a last second Brockport shot fell short.

For the game, Potsdam shot 37.5 percent from the field and converted 76 percent of their free throws. Kouzan poured in a game high 19 points and added five rebounds and Weigel added 11 points.

The Golden Eagles shot 39 percent from the field but were only able to connect on 57.7 percent of their free throws. Erica Johnson and Ellen Story each scored 12 points in the loss.

“It felt good to get the win,” said Head Coach Tara Ruckh. “I was pleased with our free throw shooting but our defense was a little suspect. We still have some improvements to make but it’s good to come away with the win.”

The Bears return to action tomorrow afternoon for a 2 p.m. tip off against Geneseo in Welsh Gymsaium.