BUFFALO, NY—Buffalo State (2-3/0-2) jumped out to an early lead, but visiting New Paltz (5-0/2-0) took control in the second half and earned a 58-50 victory in a SUNYAC game today at the Sports Arena.

Bianca Smiley (Amherst/Sweet Home) led Buffalo State with 17 points and had seven rebounds, but also committed seven turnovers.  Ashley Wallace (Lockport/Starpoint) had a team-high eight rebounds, and Mariah Norris (Endicott/Endicott) had six points and two steals off the bench.

Buffalo State raced out to an 18-6 lead less than eight minutes into the game and held a 31-23 edge at halftime.  New Paltz shot just 23-percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including hitting just 2 of 13 from 3-point range and was 7 of 14 at the free-throw line.  The Hawks found their range in the second half, and powered past the Bengals, nearly doubling their first-half shooting percentage.  The Hawks went 5 of 8 in the period from long range, and quickly erased a double-digit deficit.  New Paltz led by as many as 12 late and held on for the win.

Buffalo State was plagued by 23 turnovers and committed 21 fouls compared to 13 by the visiting Hawks.  New Paltz outscored Buffalo State 21-6 from 3-point range.

Buffalo State will make the long trip north on Friday to take on Potsdam at 6 p.m.