LOCH SHELDRAKE — SUNY Sullivan hosted Westchester Community College in the Region XV semifinal on Saturday afternoon immediately following the other semifinal game between Orange and Rockland community colleges. Despite being the higher seed and opening the game with six straight points, Westchester would find a way to lead by halftime and hang on for a 79-72 victory.

The Generals, who came into the game with a 15-11 record, have dealt with key injuries throughout the year, and heading into the Region XV tournament was no exception. The Generals were able to put up six early points, but Westchester responded with back-to-back threes to tie the game. The back and forth scoring went on for nearly the entire ensuing contest, before Westchester was able to stack up a late run and hold on for the win.

Eight minutes into the first half, the two teams had continued to battle, with an even score of 14 apiece when the first timeout of the game was called.

The two squads would continue to exchange blows throughout the first half, with neither team being able to secure a lead greater than six points. The teams combined for eight lead changes in the first half before the Raiders were able to grab a 3-point advantage at the half, leading 36-33 over the Generals.

It didn’t take long for Sullivan to tie it up in the second half, knotting the game up at 37 apiece, but Westchester always seemed to be a step ahead, netting buckets when necessary to keep the Generals at bay. Sullivan took their first lead of the second half at 43-42, but a quick trey by the Raiders took the lead away. Sullivan tied it at 45 before a timeout.

At that point, the heavyweight bout really took hold with just under 14 minutes to play. Over the next ten minutes, the Generals and Raiders exchanged leads seven times, with neither team relinquishing a basket without answering with one of their own. With just under five minutes to play, it was the Raiders who were finally able to break through and string a few scores and stops together to take a six-point lead with 4:01 to play.

From there, the Generals took a much more conservative approach, attempting to extend the game with fouls. It worked to an extent, with Sullivan able to stay six points behind, but Westchester was able to net nine free throws in the final minutes to hold the Generals at bay.

Elijah Hernandez and Wyatt Triestman stepped up for the Raiders in the second half, scoring a combined 25 of the team’s 43 points. Yenfrey Paulino led all scorers with 25 points for Westchester.

SUNY Sullivan was led by Noreon Williams with 23 points, including 11 in the second half. Ty Thomas added 17 and Jaylen Cotten netted 13 in the loss.