The Oswego State men’s basketball team (9-2, 3-1 SUNYAC) are winners of five games in a row. On Tuesday night, the Lakers look to extend their winning streak to six games as they travel to SUNY New Paltz (4-6, 0-3 SUNYAC) to take on the Hawks.
The Lakers 9-2 start is the same record they had last year in the first 11 games played. Oswego State then finished the season with a 24-6 record and a trip to the NCAA Div. III Tournament Sweet Sixteen.
The Lakers received zero votes in the most recent D3Hoops.com poll despite playing great basketball since their return after the first semester. If they can keep getting wins and playing well, the voters will certainly have to take notice.
Oswego State will have a chance to continue their winning ways as they take on a SUNY New Paltz team that they have won nine games in a row against, dating back to 2015.
Last Seasons Matchups
In their first matchup last season, Oswego State and SUNY New Paltz met at Max Ziel Gymnasium and the Lakers blew them right out of the gym. It was an 86-56 win for the Lakers, who were led by departing player Quinn Carey, who scored 26 points. Current senior Brandan Gartland scored 14 points as well in the win. In their second matchup, it was a road game for the Lakers that saw a very similar result. It was a balanced scoring effort from Oswego State in the 67-46 win that saw three players reach double-figures as well as two more with 9 points of their own.
Players to Watch
Oswego State: Joe Sullivan
Sullivan continues to play great basketball for the Lakers night in, and night out. He is currently averaging 14.8 points and 10.6 rebounds on the season. He is also coming off of an impressive 18-point, 13-rebound performance against Buffalo State. Sullivan is also shooting a solid 51.4% from the field this season, good for second on the team behind Jordan Brown, who has taken 61 fewer shots than Sullivan. Expect Sullivan to remain a key part of the Lakers offense tonight and the rest of the season.
SUNY New Paltz: Tristan Wissemann
The senior is a returning starter for the Hawks who led them in scoring last season at 14.9 points per game. He also scored 21 points in the first meeting between the Hawks and Lakers last season. This season, Wissemann is currently averaging 13.9 points per game and is coming off of a season-high 31-point performance vs. SUNY Oneonta.
Prediction
Oswego State wins its 10th game in a row vs. SUNY New Paltz, winning this one in dominant fashion, 75-58.
The Oswegonian file photo from 2018
