POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team used a second half surge to claim a 71-51 decision over Algonquin College in an exhibition matchup Tuesday evening. Senior guard Mark Lake Jr. led the Bears in scoring with 13 points.

The Bears struck first in the game behind a three-pointer from Lake. Both teams battled back-and-forth as Potsdam tried to find a rhythm and settle in for its first of the season. The Bears were able to generate an eight-point lead late in the first half. However, the Thunder responded and closed the gap going into halftime, 34-32.

The second half went the Potsdam's as the Bears went on a five-minute, 17-2 run sparked by junior forward Rob Duquette and senior forward Corey Ellis. Potsdam found their groove as they converted on several key opportunities and locked down the Thunder's offensive threats. The Bears defense held Algonquin to 20 percent shooting in the second half and caused 23 turnovers on the night.

Potsdam junior forward Colin Peterson totaled 12 points and eight rebounds. Senior guard Josh Lambert and Duquette both added 11 points to round out the top scorers for the Bears.

Potsdam opens the regular season on Friday, Nov. 16, against Ithaca College at 8 p.m. in the first round of the North Country Invitational at Clarkson University.