GENESEO – The Geneseo Blue Devils held on to their lead in the final seconds of the game to defeat the Le Roy Oatkan Knights 49-47.
The game started very defensively with both teams putting heavy pressure on each others shooters. The Blue Devils allowed only 14 points at the end of the first half due to great defense under the hoop by center Marcus Griffin who had two huge rejections right before time expired.
“I thought we played really well defensively as a unit in the first half holding our opponents to only 14 points,” said Blue Devils Head Coach Brian Paganin. “I wish we could have continued it in the second half but we still had just enough to finish with the victory.”
The game picked up in the second half with the Oatkan Knights coming out with lights out shooting to tie the game 34-34 going into the 4th quarter. The lead shifted back and forth between both teams until Blue Devils player Jake Clar started cutting up the Oatkan Knights defense by driving hard to the basket, finishing with 19 points.
After a missed free throw by the Blue Devils, the Oatkan Knights charged the basket with five seconds left on the clock putting up one last final shot that was blocked by the Blue Devils clutch defense.
The Blue Devils are looking to continue their success in their next home game against Keshequa on Friday, February 6.
PHOTO CAPTION: Geneseo’s Jake Clar attempts a shot. (Photo/Jason Pulisciano)