PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Looking to carry momentum from last weekend's victories, the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team came up short in its quest for a third straight State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) win, falling to the Oneonta Red Dragons 59-53.
 
Both teams couldn't find the groove early in the game, each missing their first handful of shots to open the contest. Eventually the Cardinals overcame their woes to lead the Red Dragons by five after the first quarter.
 
Play picked up in the second quarter for both teams. Allie Taylor lead the Cardinals with six, while Lyteshia Price and Madeline Frank each scored seven as the Cardinals held a narrow 23-22 lead at the intermission.
 
Entering the third on 7 of 37 shooting, the Red Dragons found the bottom of the net on their opening shot attempts to get the momentum going.
 
The Cardinals struggled to find an inside game as Oneonta kept the double teaming Plattsburgh State forward Devona Paul on the low block. Averaging just over 20 points per game, Paul only managed eight points on 50% shooting Friday night.
 
Oneonta outscored the Cardinals 37-30 in the final two frames, including hitting some late game free throws to step out from within Cardinal reach.
 
Price led the Red Dragons with 19 points and four steals. Bryn Loomis added nine points and ten rebounds while Teresa Anken tallied 10 points.
 
The Cardinals were led by senior Stephanie Linder who dropped 15 points, grabbed five boards and added six assists. Monique Jones had another well rounded game, perhaps finding her niche in the Plattsburgh rotation, finishing with five points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Allie Taylor contributed with nine points and five boards.
 
The Cardinals are now 11-8 overall this season 5-7 in SUNAC play. The Red Dragons improve to 13-6 overall and 9-3 in conference.
 
Plattsburgh will welcome the New Paltz Hawks tomorrow looking to remain in SUNYAC playoff contention. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.