Cobleskill Takes Control Early in 76-28 Win at VTSU-Johnson - The Fighting Tigers had four players in double figures

COBLESKILL - Johnson, VT - The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team asserted their dominance early and never looked back, cruising to a 76-28 road victory over the Badgers of Vermont State University at Johnson on Saturday afternoon in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) West Division matchup.

The Fighting Tigers were led by their senior core, with four players scoring in double figures. Forward Logan Thayne (Hoosick Falls, NY) set the tone with a stellar double-double, tallying 17 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists while shooting an efficient 7-of-13 from the floor. Senior guard Taylor Meacham (Berne, NY/BKW) followed suit with a double-double of her own, notching 11 points and 11 rebounds, while hitting an impressive 5-of-6 from the field. Antonia May (Amsterdam, NY) added 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists, and Cara Walker (Phelps, NY/Midlakes) contributed 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds in a balanced team effort.

Cobleskill’s suffocating defense was the story of the game, holding the Badgers to just 19.2 percent shooting (10-of-52) while forcing 28 turnovers, including 13 steals. Those turnovers translated into 27 points for the Fighting Tigers, who capitalized on nearly every mistake. The Tigers also dominated the boards, outrebounding the hosts 43-22, while rejecting 11 Badger shot attempts. On the offensive end, Cobleskill shot 43.1 percent (31-of-72) from the floor, went a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, and scored 40 points in the paint, including 26 second-chance points. Their bench was pivotal, outscoring Johnson’s reserves 23-7.

Cobleskill wasted no time setting the tone. Meacham opened the scoring with a driving layup, and after a tightly contested opening stretch left the game tied at 7-7, Walker’s offensive rebound and putback gave the Tigers the lead for good. Talia Washington (Schenectady, NY) drilled a wide-open three off an assist from May, and a deep three-pointer by Annie Canales (North Adams, MA/Hoosac Valley) pushed Cobleskill to their first double-digit lead at 19-7 late in the first quarter.

The second quarter saw both teams ramp up the defensive intensity, but Cobleskill showcased why they are among the conference’s elite. The Tigers used an 8-2 run to extend their advantage to 31-16 late in the period before May’s three-pointer stretched the lead to 20 points. They entered halftime firmly in control, leading 40-16, thanks to their relentless defense and efficient offense.

After the break, Cobleskill delivered the knockout blow with a 12-0 run to open the third quarter, capped by a pair of free throws from Taliyah Mann (Houston, TX/South Houston) to make it 52-16. The Tigers continued to dominate on both ends, carrying a 61-17 lead into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a mere formality as the Fighting Tigers cruised to a 76-28 win, highlighted by their best defensive performance of the season, holding the Badgers to a season-low 28 points.

Cobleskill improves to 17-4 overall and 7-2 in NAC play. The Fighting Tigers return to action on Saturday, February 1, when they travel to SUNY Delhi for another NAC West Division clash. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.