The Oswego State men’s basketball team continues SUNYAC play this weekend with two home games vs. SUNY Fredonia (3-4, 0-1 SUNYAC) Friday and Buffalo State (3-2, 1-0 SUNYAC) Saturday. 

The Lakers (7-2, 1-1 SUNYAC) come into the weekend on a three-game winning streak, including two wins last weekend at the Moravian Steel Club Classic vs. Montclair State University and Moravian College. 

Friday, Jan 10. vs. SUNY Fredonia

Last Season’s Matchups

The Lakers went 2-0 vs. the Blue Devils last season winning, both games by a large margin. Early last season at SUNY Fredonia, Oswego State won the contest by a score of 77-43. Later in the season, the two met again in a home game for the Lakers, which saw them win by a score of 87-48. Both games saw a balanced scoring effort from the Lakers, as the blowouts allowed many players to see playing time. Also, something to keep in mind, the Lakers have won nine of their last 10 meetings with the Blue Devils dating back to 2014. 

Players to Watch

Oswego State: Jeremiah Sparks

Sparks caught fire last weekend and continued to showcase his impressive scoring ability. He scored 18 points against Montclair State University and then a career high 32 points the next night vs. Moravian College. The freshman has been shining for the Lakers. Expect him to continue his offensive production and to get going early against a much weaker team in SUNY Fredonia. 

SUNY Fredonia: Dydy Bryan

The Blue Devils guard has been the most consistent scorer for them this season, averaging 19.9 points per game. He has scored over 20 points in four of the seven contests this season. Though the Blue Devils have struggled and are currently on a three-game losing streak, Bryan has been a bright spot for the team.

Prediction

Oswego State wins its fourth in a row in an easy fashion, 84-58. 

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Saturday, Jan. 11 vs. Buffalo State

Last Season’s Matchups

Oswego State went 2-0 last season vs. Buffalo State and are currently on an eight-game winning streak vs. the Bengals. The Lakers won their first meeting with the Bengals last season 84-78 and their second meeting 81-72. 

Players to Watch

Oswego State: Liam Sanborn

Sanborn shined in the two contests vs. Buffalo State last season. In the first meeting, Sanborn scored 15 points, while adding 7 assists and 4 steals in the win. In the second matchup last season, Sanborn played even better. He finished with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Sanborn is currently averaging 12.3 points per game and has recently heated up. He scored 21 points on Dec. 7 vs. SUNY Geneseo and scored 22 points against Montclair State University last weekend. He struggled in the game vs. Moravian College the following night. Expect Sanborn to return to form and have some good games this weekend, and if history repeats itself, expect him to shine in this matchup. 

Buffalo State: Sheldon Adams

Adams is the leading scorer for the Bengals at 20.6 points per game. The junior has been very consistent so far this season and has been a threat from the 3-point line. He averages 7.8 attempts per game from deep this season and makes 3.4 per game. His season high in points is 31, and he also hit five 3-pointers that game. Expect the Bengals to ride the hot hand and feed Adams the ball, as he has been their main offensive threat so far this season. 

Prediction

Oswego State wins their ninth in a row vs. Buffalo State by a score of 85-77.

The Oswegonian file photo from 2018