Devils win in OT
Audrey Craffey (photo by Ron Szot)
Leading by 16 heading into the fourth quarter, the Fredonia State women's basketball team seemingly had things under control over the Potsdam Bears. A 35-point fourth quarter by the Bears sent the game into overtime before the Devils regrouped and left the North Country with a 94-87 victory and a weekend sweep. They had beaten Plattsburgh on Friday.
In the overtime, Audrey Craffey scored the opening bucket for the Devils, followed by a pair of free throws by Lauren Mickley on the next possession. After three missed-three-pointers by Potsdam, a layup by Rae White put the Devils up six in overtime.
The Devils hit on 6 of 7 free throws down the stretch and hold on for the win.
Despite the 94 points, the Devils received the lion's share of the offense from just three players. Craffey and Katie Pitcher had career-best 27 point games, and Mickley kicked in 22 points, also a career high. Anna Chiacchia and White had seven points each. White added seven assists.
Fredonia State scored the game's first six points and led 13-2 with three minutes left in the opening frame. By the half, they expanded the lead to 36-21. The Devils outscored Potsdam 23-22 in the third to go up 59-43.
Postdam made 10 of 17 shots from the field and 12 of 14 from the foiul line in its fourth-quarter explosion. The Devils put up 19 points of their own, including going 8 of 9 from the line. The 54 points was the highest scoring quarter the Blue Devils have been part of this season -- three more the they and Plattsburgh had in the fourth quarter on Friday.
The Bears tied the game with 14 seconds remaining in regulation when Caroline LaFountain nailed a three-pointer to tie it at 78. Potsdam never led at any point during the game.
LaFountain finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, one of three Bears to achieve a double-double. Dyamon Hunter connected for 19 points and 10 assists, while Jakia Howard had 13 points and 26 rebounds.
Potsdam defeated the Devils earlier in the season, so the victory gave the teams a season split. The win also put the Devils (5-9 SUNYAC) one game up on the Bears (4-10) in the playoff chase.
The Devils improved to 9-12 overall, and travel to Brockport on Tuesday.
