Second-half explosion powers Devils to decisive win

Trailing at intermission, the Fredonia State women's basketball team used another strong finish outscoring Alfred by 21 points in the second half to down the Saxons, 71-54, and improve to 6-1, on Dec. 5. 

Mary Culeton scored a season high 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Renee Park had 15 points and six rebounds. The Dynamic Duo combined for nine three pointers, Culeton going 4-8 and Park hitting 5-7. The Devils connected for 14 as a team.

The Saxons would lead 17-13 after the first quarter. The Devils had their offensive opportunities, but were slowed by 6-20 shooting. The Saxons went 6-16 and hit three treys compared to one by the Devils.

Midway through the second quarter, Fredonia State took the lead, 25-23, following a three by Park. The Saxons then converted a very rare five-point play. A foul on a three-point attempt combined with a technical resulted in five made free throws by Felicia Stewart. Stewart made another pair of free throws on the next possession as the Saxons went up 30-25. Stewart would finish the half with 13 points, including 8-9 from the line, as Alfred built a 34-30 lead.

Park had nine for the Devils at the break, connecting on 3-4 three pointers.

Midway through the third quarter, the Devils used a bucket by Allie Wandell, then threes from Sarah Seaman and two more from Culeton to go up 49-43. Three free throws followed as the Devils extended the lead 52-43 with a 14-0 run. The Saxons scored the last five of the third, ending the frame with Fredonia State nursing a 52-48 lead.

The Saxons closed within four points, 55-51, with seven minutes left to play. Culeton scored the next five, followed by a Kyla Smith three, and a basket by Jaden Sciotti to go up 14 points, 65-51. Park nailed her fifth three of the game to put the Devils in command for good. They opened the fourth on a 19-3 run.

Caitlin Snyder had nine rebounds for Fredonia State, and Wandell had seven rebounds and four assists. Smith added a team-high seven assists to go along with eight points.

Leah Harkenrider led Alfred (3-4) with 17 points, and Stewart was held scoreless in the second half, finishing with 13.