Erika Puffer scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead SUNY Oneonta to a 59-32 win against Hamilton College in a non-league game at Oneonta's Alumni Field House on Dec. 9.
The Red Dragons (6-0 overall) went on an early 8-0 run to take a 10-3 lead just four minutes in, and cruised to a 28-13 lead at the half. Hamilton closed to within eight points at 33-25 on a layup by Claire Hunsinger '13 with 13:57 left, but made just three baskets the rest of the way.
The Continentals (5-1), who were trying to start the season 6-0 for the first time in program history, led just once at 3-2 on a 3-pointer by Dani Feigin '14. Eliza Howe '13 was the only double-figure scorer for Hamilton with 10 points. Feigin added eight points, Madie Harlem '13 pulled down seven boards and handed out three assists and Lisa Olszewski '11 blocked four shots.
Samantha Szkotak chipped in seven rebounds and three assists for Oneonta. Rebecca Bucci had three assists and three steals, and Kristin Pappalardo scored seven points and made three steals.
Neither team shot well from the field as the Continentals were at 27 percent and the Red Dragons were slightly better at 28 percent. The three keys were free-throw shooting, turnovers and rebounds. Oneonta was 18-for-27 at the line while Hamilton missed its only two attempts.
The Continentals committed 23 turnovers, thanks in part to 12 steals by the Red Dragons, who turned it over a season-low seven times. Finally, Oneonta held a 46-38 advantage in rebounds, including 21 on the offensive glass.
Hamilton hosts nationally ranked No. 13 Williams College for another non-league game on Saturday, Dec. 11.
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