William Smith basketball opened the 58 Main BBQ & Brew Tip-Off Classic with an 86-66 loss to SUNY Brockport on Friday, dropping the Herons to 0-2 on the season. Brockport improved to 2-3 with the win.
The Herons placed three players in double figures, led by senior McKenzie Mandyck, who posted a career-best 16 points and knocked down four three-pointers. She also added four rebounds and three assists. Giana Lobozzo contributed 13 points, five boards and four steals, while Amelia McCulley finished with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Brockport controlled the interior and capitalized on turnovers to build its advantage. Stephanie Jean-Baptiste powered the Golden Eagles with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Brianna Carey added 19 points and seven steals. Brockport forced 28 turnovers and won the rebounding battle 53–48.
After a tight start, the Golden Eagles surged late in the first quarter and carried that momentum into the second, outscoring the Herons 21–13 to take a 16-point halftime lead. William Smith mounted a push in the third, fueled by points off turnovers to cut the deficit to six, but Brockport countered with a closing run to restore a double-digit margin. The Golden Eagles sealed the result with a 23-point fourth quarter, again converting miscues into scoring opportunities.
William Smith returns to action Saturday against Fredonia in the second day of the Tip-Off Classic, with gametime scheduled for 1 p.m. in Brockport.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].