The Keuka College women’s basketball team used a strong second half to secure a 57–51 victory over Alfred University on Saturday afternoon in an Empire 8 matchup at the JMW Recreation and Athletics Center.
Brooke Burd (Canisteo, NY/Canisteo-Greenwood) led Keuka (8–11, 3–8 Empire 8) with 17 points and 16 rebounds, recording her 10th double-double of the season. Mary Cotter (Hershey, PA/Hershey) added 15 points and went 4-for-4 from the free throw line, while Lillian Mullen (Canisteo, NY/Canisteo-Greenwood) scored 12 points. Emiley Anderson (Gerry, NY/Cassadaga Valley) chipped in nine points off the bench as the Wolves placed four players in double figures.
Keuka found itself in an early hole as Alfred opened the game on an 11–0 run, with the Wolves struggling to convert their first several possessions. The Wolves finally got on the board at the free-throw line and began to settle in defensively. Burd controlled the glass with multiple defensive rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities, while Natalee Collins and Jaidyn Chest helped slow the tempo. Keuka held Alfred scoreless late in the quarter but still trailed 15–7 after one.
The Wolves chipped away in the second quarter. Anderson scored on consecutive possessions in the paint, followed by a basket from Cotter after an offensive rebound. Mullen added a jumper to cut the deficit to single digits, and Burd continued to anchor the defense inside. A series of stops led to transition opportunities for Anderson and Cotter, and a late basket from Mullen capped a closing run that pulled Keuka within 29–27 at halftime.
Keuka carried that momentum into the third quarter. Burd tied the game with a putback, and Anderson gave the Wolves their first lead on the next possession. The defense continued to pressure Alfred into empty trips, fueling the transition offense. Mullen scored on back-to-back possessions during a key stretch as Keuka extended its advantage. Collins and Chest disrupted passing lanes and limited clean looks, and the Wolves won the quarter 19–12 to take a 46–41 lead into the fourth.
Alfred made several pushes down the stretch, but Keuka responded each time. Cotter scored inside to steady the lead, and Anderson added a key basket midway through the quarter. Burd continued to protect the paint defensively, forcing late shot clock situations. With the margin trimmed to two late, Mullen scored again and the Wolves sealed the game at the free throw line. Keuka held Alfred to just 10 fourth-quarter points to secure the 57–51 conference win.
KC Notes:
- Keuka outscored Alfred 38–22 over the final two quarters
- The Wolves held Alfred to 30.4 percent shooting for the game
- Keuka won the rebounding battle 43–41
- The Wolves shot over 50 percent from the field in the third quarter
- The win snapped a 12-game losing streak against Alfred
Up Next:
Keuka returns to the road Friday for an Empire 8 matchup at Hartwick College. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. in Oneonta.
