SUNY Cortland Men’s Basketball has a successful trip to Miami!

Earlier last week, SUNY Cortland Men’s Basketball team traveled to Miami, Florida to compete at the HoopMIA D3Holiday Shootout. 

The team had two games at Barry University - one on Sunday, December 15th (vs. Eastern University) and Tuesday, December 17th (vs. Gwynedd Mercy). 

Your local Red Dragons were able to come out victorious on both games to improve to a 4-2 overall record, and making it a successful trip to Miami.

Even though players and coaches were able to enjoy the warm weather, the team knew that they were there to work and build character. 

“Being around Miami, there are obviously a lot of opportunities to have fun. But It's also time to get back to business and play a couple of games and furthering our connection on and off the court,” said sophomore forward, Austin Grunder. 

Prior to the HoopMIA D3Holiday Shootout, Grunder was named into the D3hoops National Team of the Week (Click here to read about it).

According to Grunder, the time the team spent in Miami has helped the Red Dragons build a better brotherhood and camaraderie. 

While in Miami, the team also went down to Miami beach for a workout before their game against Gwynedd Mercy the following day. 

Here is a recap on both games at Barry University last week: 

Game 1 vs. Eastern University

It was a close game from the very beginning, as the Red Dragons took on Eastern University on Tuesday, December 17th. 

Cortland was able to come up with a 71-62 win after closing out the game in the last few minutes of the second half. 

Neither team led by more than four points during the first 17-minutes of the second half.

With less than three minutes to play, Lawton buried a three-pointer to push Cortland's lead to 66-60. Lawton finished the game with a total of 11 points.

The Eagles would then begin to foul, as they became desperate with just about a minute left in the game. Austin Grunder made three of his four free throws, while Lawton made both from the line to secure the victory.

Grunder ended the game with 28-points and 15 rebounds while fellow forward, while junior Eric Edwards finished with 20-points and seven boards. 

Game 2 vs. Gwynedd Mercy

The Red Dragons improved to 4-2 overall record after defeating the defending Atlantic East Conference Champions, Gwynedd Mercy (69-60).

Cortland never trailed in the game, as the Red Dragons jumped out to an early 14-4 lead and took a 36-30 edge right before halftime. Gwynedd Mercy did get within two points twice in the first four minutes of the second half, but were not able to close the gap. 

Edwards would finish the game with a double-double, as he had 25-points to go along with his 10 rebounds and two steals. 

Junior guard Ben Walters also had a great game, as he finished with 18-points and a 40 percent three-point percentage. 

Here are some more photos of the team’s trip to Miami, Florida: