The Lady Bengals started the day with a poor road record of 2-8. On Saturday, they traveled for the final time this season to New Paltz. Hoping to get some kind of momentum going into the final three home games of the season, the Hawks did not let the Bengals get into a groove. New Paltz forced 33 turnovers, which led to 37 points and ultimately, the Hawks ran away with Saturday’s contest with a win, 90-55.

The first quarter started well for the Lady Bengals. They kept it close with New Paltz throughout the first ten minutes. The Lady Bengals even held a quick two-point lead after junior guard Caleh McLean made a jumper with 1:43 left in the first. But the Hawks were able to finish on a run and get the lead at the end of the opening frame, 16-13.

Then, in the second quarter, the wheels began to fall off for the Lady Bengals. After sophomore guard Grace Licata was able to cut the deficit to one to open up the quarter, the Hawks went on an 8-0 run before McLean drilled a three to end it. Then, another run by the Hawks, this time 10-0, inflated the lead to 16 for the Hawks. By the half, the Hawks led 44-29.

The third quarter didn’t fare well for Buffalo State, either. They were able to keep the deficit to hover in the mid-teens, but New Paltz was a powerhouse in the quarter and the lead ballooned to as much as 26. The Hawks led headed into the fourth, 70-44.

The Hawks kept their foot down on the accelerator and started the final quarter on a 13-2 run. At the halfway mark of the fourth, New Paltz had their largest lead of the night of 39. The Hawks easily handled the Bengals to finish the game, 90-55.

McLean led the Bengals in points with 14, two assists but also seven turnovers. Sophomore forward Princella McCullough had 12 points.

For the Hawks, forward Kit Small had a game-high in points with 20 in her 24 minutes. Guard Sandi Harris had 15 points in her team’s victory.

Next up for the Buffalo State Lady Bengals (6-16 overall, 3-12 SUNYAC) are the Cortland Red Dragons (10-11, 9-5) on Friday, Feb. 10. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Arena.

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