The men's basketball team continued their winning streak this past week, defeating Morrisville on the road on Saturday, 71-61, and then blowing out the Oswego Lakers 91-61 on Tuesday.
Despite the win, the Blue Knights initially struggled against Morrisville. "This was definitely a game where we played to the level of our competition," said Steve Minton, Geneseo's head coach.
The Blue Knights made only 43 percent of their shots from the field during the first half. Geneseo did, however, win the rebound battle, grabbing 45 boards to Morrisville's 35.
Senior Scott Morton made 8-19 from the field and 9-9 from the line for 25 points with 14 rebounds and seven assists.
"Scott just stepped it up to another level this game," said Minton. "With [sophomore] Mike Baker out, we've asked Scott to handle the ball more and he just keeps making plays. He had six points in the last 24 seconds, the game was in reach for them and we just put the ball in his hands."
Junior Brandon Simpson added 8-13 from the floor and 4-5 from the line for 20 points with eight boards, while freshman Mike Hoy came off the bench to score 13 points on 4-6 from the field, including 3-5 from beyond the arc.
Minton praised Hoy's play, saying, "Mike is a fantastic shooter … His confidence has just been growing and when you play with confidence, everything goes better for you."
There was no need for last-second heroics during Geneseo's next game against the Lakers; varying drastically from the teams' previous meeting in which Morton's buzzer-beater garnered national attention.
After a few opening minutes, Oswego never got within six points of the Blue Knights and trailed by 14 at halftime.
"This was an outstanding performance by everyone," said Minton. "We did all the little things right and that's what makes a difference in a game. I think we proved last night we belong at the top."
The Blue Knights made 58 percent of their shots from the floor while Oswego shot only 31 percent for the game.
Rebounds were another key as Geneseo out-rebounded the Lakers 52-31. Simpson had 20 points, 18 rebounds and added five assists. Morton scored 21 points and senior Jeff Howe recorded a double-double, with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Minton pointed out two players as deserving special recognition for their efforts against Oswego: "[Junior] Jordan Blair is a player who gives us everything he's got when he's on the floor: Last night he had seven points and five rebounds. He won't ever have the same stats as Scott [Morton] or Jeff Howe, but he does the little things for us."
Minton also praised junior Nate Cornish for his hustle and hard work during the game.
Geneseo's next game is at home on Friday, Feb. 13 against Plattsburgh.