POTSDAM -- Oswego State ran its conference winning streak to 11 games by defeating SUNY Potsdam by a score of 76-56. Four Lakers scored in double figures, led by 23 from Hayden Ward on 7-of-9 shooting including knocking down all three of his long range attempts.

Potsdam matched the conference-leading Lakers basket-for-basket early in the first half. Sophomore Tony Efese hit a baseline jumper to cut the lead to 19-15. Over the next four and a half minutes the Lakers went on an 11-3 spurt to take a 31-18 lead. Sophomore Rob Duquette slam dunk cut the deficit to nine points and ignited a late Potsdam rally. A 13-5 run to end the first half cut the Laker lead to 36-31 after two Curtis Pierce free throws with 1.8 seconds remaining.

Pierce began the second half with a jumper to pull the Bears within three. The Lakers would score 11 of the games next 13 points including back-to-back three point plays to pull ahead by 10. Potsdam would score four quick points and the Lakers responded with an 11-0 run to extend to a 59-39 lead. The highlight of the half for Potsdam came when Efrese came soaring in to grab a missed shot and dunked it over a host of Lakers’ defenders. Unfortunately, the Bears couldn’t cool Oswego’s long range shooting; the Lakers knocked down 55.6 percent of their three-point attempts including 5-of-8 (62.5) in the second half.

For the afternoon, the Bears shot 38.6 percent from the field and were led by 15 points and 12 rebounds from Pierce. Duquette finished with 10 points and Zac Adams added nine points and eight rebounds.

Oswego finished the game shooting 46.9 percent from the field and were led by Ward’s 23 and Chad Burridge finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Bears return to action on Tuesday night, Jan. 31 when they host New Paltz for a 6 p.m. tip-off.