The third-seeded Golden Eagles defeated the sixth seed Potsdam in a 62-55 nail bitter to advance to the SUNYAC semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

It was a close game from start to finish that featured 13 ties and 15 lead changes. However, both clutch free-throw shooting and lockdown defense down the stretch were enough for Brockport to come away with the victory. 

Jahidi Wallace led the team in scoring with 13 points, while also snagging seven boards. David Grady scored 12 points and was a force on the defensive end, finishing the game with five blocks and three steals. Mekhi Beckett was close to a double-double but came away with nine points and a team-high nine rebounds.  

Brockport jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead to start the game. Devante Hagins got off to a hot start scoring seven of his 11 points in the first five minutes to give the Golden eagles an early lead. Nevertheless, Potsdam fought its way back tying the score at 29 going into the halftime break. 

The second half was even more competitive than the first half. Each team went back and forth trying to gain an advantage, but neither team could create any separation. The game was tied 45-45 with under nine minutes to go and tied again at 52 in the closing minutes. A couple of strong defensive possessions and clutch free throws helped slow the game down for Brockport and pull out the playoff victory 62-55. 

Brockport struggled to score, shooting just 34.5% from the field and 20% from the three-point line. The Golden Eagles shot and made 21 free throws compared to Potsdam’s six which ended up being one of the determining factors of the game. 

The Golden Eagles improve to 18-7 on the year and will head to Oswego on Friday, Feb. 25 where the SUNYAC semifinals will be hosted. They will face the #2 seed Oneonta for a chance to advance to the SUNYAC Championship.