Fighting Tigers Overpower Union College, 74-55

COBLESKILL — The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team flexed their muscles on Saturday afternoon, earning a convincing 74-55 win over Union College at Iorio Gymnasium. The Fighting Tigers used a dominant second quarter to seize control and never looked back, improving to 7-1 on the season.

Cobleskill’s offense was powered by Antonia May (Amsterdam, NY), who delivered a double-double with 16 points on 6-for-13 shooting, 10 rebounds, and three assists, hitting on 6 of 13 from the field. Logan Thayne (Hoosick Falls, NY) extends her streak of double-double to eight games as she owned the paint with 14 points and 12 boards, while also adding a block and a steal. Annie Canales (North Adams, Mass/Hoosac Valley) provided a spark off the bench, pouring in a game-high 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, including three three-pointers in just 16 minutes. Taylor Meacham (Berne, NY/BKW) filled the stat sheet with 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two blocks, while shooting 4-7 from the field, showing leadership on both ends of the floor.

As a team, the Fighting Tigers outclassed Union in key areas. Cobleskill shot 43.5% from the field compared to Union’s 30.9% and drained eight three-pointers. The Tigers turned defense into offense, forcing 15 turnovers and converting them into 25 points. Cobleskill also asserted their presence in the paint, outscoring Union 32-24 and outrebounding them 44-39. Ten offensive rebounds led to nine second-chance points, while 17 assists on 27 made field goals showcased their sharp ball movement.

The turning point came in the second quarter. After trailing 20-19 at the end of the first, Cobleskill locked in on both ends of the court, outscoring Union 20-6 in the period to take a 39-26 lead into halftime. Canales sparked the surge with seven points in the frame, highlighted by a clutch three-pointer at the 2:59 mark to push the lead to 36-22. Moments later, Meacham drilled a fastbreak triple, assisted by Amber MacNeil (Hoosick Falls, NY), to extend the advantage to 39-24. On the defensive end, Thayne and May dominated the glass, limiting Union’s opportunities.

Union made a push in the third quarter but couldn’t overcome Cobleskill’s balanced attack. The Tigers struck first with a steal by Kyra Pence (Randolph, NY) that led to a fastbreak layup by May just six seconds into the quarter. Both teams traded baskets for much of the period, but Cobleskill used a mini 5-0 run, including a Thayne three-pointer and a Canales layup, to stretch the lead to 62-43 in the closing minutes of the quarter.

Cobleskill kept their foot on the gas in the final period. May’s jumper early in the fourth gave the Tigers their largest lead of the game at 64-43 with 9:38 remaining. From there, the home team cruised to a commanding win, closing out Union with steady defense and disciplined play.

The Fighting Tigers return to the court on Tuesday, December 3, when they host SUNY Delhi at 5:30 p.m. in their North Atlantic Conference opener at Iorio Gymnasium.