Boxscore and Play-by-Play

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.--Plattsburgh State built a double-digit lead in the first half, but couldn't keep that momentum going in the second during a 73-62 loss to Buffalo State in State University of New York Athletic Conference women's basketball action on Saturday at Memorial Hall. The Cardinals fall to 6-8 overall while the Bengals improve to 8-6; both teams are tied for sixth place with identical 3-5 marks in the conference.

Kathleen Payne came off the bench to pace Plattsburgh with 14 points, followed by Lindsey Larivee and Stephanie McCoy with 13 apiece. Taylor Amarando pulled down a game-best 14 rebounds, including nine on the offensive glass, before exiting with an injury. Catherine Cassidy chipped in six assists.

The Bengals were led by Staci McElroy who posted a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds. Kristin Ritch scored 14 points on four 3-pointers and Barb Kiliszek also notched 14 to go along with five steals and six rebounds.

The afternoon started well enough for the Cardinals who led by 12 points, 27-15, after Larivee's jumper with 5 minutes and 7 seconds left in the first half. Plattsburgh maintained its lead at the intermission, 34-28.

But the Bengals opened the second half on an 11-0 run in 1:59 to go up 39-34 and they never trailed after that. McElroy sparked the comeback with six points and Ritch drained a trey to break a 34-all tie.

Plattsburgh eventually pulled within two points, 61-59, after falling behind double digits on a couple occasions. But the Cardinals struggled at the free throw line, missing 19 shots on 35 attempts, and were outrebounded, 50-36, for the game.