PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - It looked like visiting Brockport  might pull off a come-from-behind upset over their host, the Plattsburgh State men's basketball team, when the Golden Eagles pulled within three of the Cardinals with just under ten seconds left to play, 71-74. However, the Cardinals had other plans in mind and cemented a win when Steve Thomas sank a  free-throw that made Jermaine Johnson's last-second three-pointer for the Golden Eagles inconsequential. Plattsburgh walked off with the win, 75-74, and the State University of New York Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship title.

It is Plattsburgh's first title since 2008, though they are technically tied with Oneonta for the top-spot--both teams ends the season 13-5 in conference play. The Cardinals sweep of the Red Dragons during the regular season, however, serves as the tie-breaker which gives Plattsburgh the top-seed in next week's SUNYAC Tournament.

Overall, Plattsburgh now stands at 18-7 for the season, while Brockport drops to 15-10. The Golden Eagles also qualified for the conference tournament, finishing tied with Cortland in third place with an 11-7 SUNYAC record.

Before the contest, Plattsburgh honored its two senior members, Farris Thomas and Danny Tangney. Tangney recorded three points and four rebounds during the contest, while Thomas pulled down nine boards and sank 12 points--including a dunk with 28 seconds left to play that got the crowd in Memorial Hall riled up.

Steve Thomas led the Cardinals with 18 points and 10 rebounds, going 9-for-10 from the charity stripe. Chris Ruizadded 14 points and Errol Daniyan contributed 13. Carl Munnerlyn matched Ruiz with a game-high four assists and tossed up 11 points.

For Brockport, Johnson racked up 13 points, Andy Marchand posted 11 and Gerald Williams and Zack McTigue each contributed 10.

Plattsburgh will host a SUNYAC Tournament quarterfinal game next Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The Cardinals opponent has yet to be determined.