POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team shot just 20.5 percent from the floor and was unable to find offensive rhythm Saturday in a 45-27 defeat against New Paltz in State University of New York Athletic Conference action at Welsh Gymnasium.

The Bears (1-6 overall, 0-2 SUNYAC) held the Hawks to just 27.7 percent shooting from the floor, but committed 28 turnovers and shot just 7-for-18 from the free throw line.

After taking a 14-13 lead with 7:57 left in the first half following a lay-up by senior guard Aimee Kellicutt (Lisle, N.Y.), Potsdam scored just one point for the remainder of the half, allowing New Paltz (3-3, 2-0) to take a 27-15 advantage into the locker room.

Neither team shot well from the field in the second period, combining for just 11 made baskets and eight free throws in the frame. The Hawks took their largest lead of the game at 44-22 with 3:40 to go.

Kellicutt led the Bears with nine points, while sophomore guard Katy Briedis (Canton, N.Y.) totaled six points and a team-high eight rebounds. Junior forward Sophie Parks (Bogart, Ga.) added four points and seven rebounds (four offensive) for Potsdam.

The Bears return to the floor this Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Skidmore. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.