DYLAN BESTLER

(Sparkill, NY-February 11, 2016): The Lady Spartans’ comeback fell short against Daemen, but the men’s team continued their impressive win streak with an 86-62 win, also against Daemen.

The Lady Spartans started their Think Pink weekend by wearing their pink warm-ups to support breast cancer while t-shirts and other pink items were sold during the game. All proceeds went to the Kay Yow foundation.

The Spartans were right in the game trailing in the first quarter by only 4; 19-15. At the end of the half, however, they were down by 8, trailing 38-30. The Spartans had a big third quarter, outscoring their opponent by 6, and a late technical foul by Daemen sent Alyson Brennan to the foul line. She made both free throws to put the Spartans down by three. At the end of the third, the Spartans only trailed by two; 56-54.

The fourth quarter was a thriller. Daemen was up 69-60 with 6:39 left to go in the game and most of the fans thought the game was over. But the Spartans battled back, and with some amazing shots by junior Kaitlyn McCue, who had 6 of the next 11 points for STAC, they tied the game at 71-71. This sent the game into overtime. The Spartans’ luck ran out when they only scored two points in overtime, losing to Daemen, 79-73.

The men had to get their revenge after the women lost a close one. The Spartans started the game on fire as they scored the first twelve points. After Daemen’s first two points, Chaz Watler made two layups.  Justin Reyes’ slam dunk made the crowd erupt, forcing Daemen to use an early timeout. The first half ended with a 51-22 blowout by STAC.

The Spartans continued their success into the second half. Four and a half minutes into the half, Chaz Watler’s layup put STAC up 64-28; a 36 point margin which was the largest of the day. Late in the game Daemen finally stepped up their game and began scoring, but it was too little too late as the Spartans won 86-62.

Both the men’s and women’s teams took on Roberts Wesleyan on Saturday. The women’s team won 54-43. Jenna Ericsson had an impressive 23 points which included seven 3-point shots. The men’s team followed that up with a dominating win against Roberts; 96-57. Justin Reyes had 24 points and 14 rebounds, leading the way to the Spartans’ fourteenth straight win. The men are currently first in the ECC standings.