BUFFALO, N.Y. – It was a back and forth contest between the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team and the Buffalo State Bengals on Friday night. In the end the Cardinals were able to grab the lead and hold off the Bengals in a 76-71 victory.
 
Plattsburgh took the early lead in the first quarter. Jax Miller hit a three pointer with seven seconds remaining to put the Cardinals up 19-15, but with just a few ticks remaining Caleh McLean sunk a mid-range jumper to pull within two.
 
The second quarter belonged to Bengal guard Britt Perry, who carried Buffalo State to a 42-36 lead at the break on her 21 first half points.
 
Trailing by six, the Cardinals responded in the third stanza by holding the Bengals to only 10, while scoring 22 of their own to take a 58-52 lead heading into the final frame.
 
Plattsburgh lead by as many as 13, but the Bengals made some jumpers from downtown to cut the Plattsburgh State lead to seven before having to foul in the final minute of regulation.
 
Stephanie Linder was the standout performer in Cardinal red with 21 points, eight boards, three assists and two steals. Senior Allie Taylor contributed 14 points on 6-9 shooting and Monique Jones poured in 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
 
Perry finished with a game high 29 points in the losing effort.
 
With the win Plattsburgh State improves to 10-7 overall and 4-6 in SUNYAC play. Buffalo State sits at 6-12 overall and at a 2-9 conference record.
 
The Cardinals will head to Fredonia tomorrow for a conference matchup slated to start at 2 p.m.