Sortino leads Oswego State men’s basketball team to SUNYAC championship

The Oswego State men’s basketball team defeated Buffalo State, 84–83, on a layup from Jamir Ferebee with less than eight seconds left in overtime to advance to the SUNYAC championship game.

“I was just really proud of our guys,” head coach Jason Leone said. “The stat sheet, if you look at, it doesn’t look like we should’ve won the game. We made the plays when we had to make them. I’m just real proud of our guys and we’re very fortunate and happy to be moving forward.”

Senior point guard Brian Sortino had a career high of 48 points, eclipsing his former career high of 39 points set last year during the Lakers’ appearance in the NCAA tournament. His performance surpassed the former Max Zeil Gymnasium record of 41 points scored in a single game, set back in 1974.

Sortino was one point shy of tying the program record of most points scored in one game.

Sortino contributed nine assists in his 45 minutes of play, including his pass to Ferebee under the basket for the game-winning layup.

“Brian is just an incredible player,” Leone said. “He had a look in his eye tonight that was just special. We are all spoiled to watch the things that he does on the court.”

This was the third matchup of the season between the №1 Lakers and the №5 Bengals, each game resulting in a one-point Oswego State victory.

Lovell Smith had a strong performance for the Bengals, tallying 29 points and nine rebounds in 44 minutes of play. Dom Grayer had 15 points and four rebounds while Jordan Glover tacked on 14 points to the team’s total.

“Their seniors played like seniors,” Leone said of the Buffalo State team. “Smith and Glover have had an incredible run.”

Along with the game-winning basket, Ferebee had 14 points and seven rebounds. Keith Tyson totaled 11 rebounds and five points for the Lakers.

Oswego dominated from the 3-point line. Sortino shot five for seven from beyond the arc, shooting three consecutive 3-point buckets within four minutes early in the second half.

“I think I hit three in a row and all the guys looked at me and said, ‘Keep shooting,’” Sortino said. “They trust me with the ball, if someone comes to double me up I’d be more than happy to share it with them.”

Ian Schupp had four 3-point baskets and Ferebee had two.

“At this time of year, its about playing with confidence,” Leone said. “Our guys did not hesitate.”

Oswego’s hard-fought victory gives them the opportunity to battle №3 SUNY Oneonta, who defeated №2 Brockport, 85–72, for the title of SUNYAC champions, a title the team has not held since 2015.

A win against the Red Dragons would also ensure the Lakers a spot in the Div. III NCAA tournament. Last year, the Lakers made it to the Sweet 16 in the tournament, losing a close game to The College of Wooster.

“All these games we’re going to play from now on are going to be big,” Tyson said.

Tip-off for the SUNYAC Championship game will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Max Ziel Gymnasium.