ALBANY, N.Y. — The Keuka College Men's Basketball team clinched their third-ever berth in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament with a 93-80 victory at Russell Sage College on Saturday.

A pair of seniors led the way for Keuka College (10-12, 7-6 Empire 8). Lamar Lovelace posted a game-high 32 points to lead the Wolves. Coming off his season-high on Friday, Akinlana Popoola stayed hot with 22 points on Saturday. Kaleb Nutifafa added his second double-double of the year with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Keuka College 93 at Russell Sage College 80
The two teams battled for the lead throughout the opening minutes of the first half on Saturday. The Wolves edged ahead by two midway through the frame as Kaleb Nutifafa had a steal and dunk, but Sage answered with a basket as the game was tied 24-24. The Wolves created some separation late. Sage would take the lead, 42-41, with a three-pointer with two minutes left in the half. Keuka answered with a rebound and layup by Marcus Reed. The Wolves then got a three in transition by Lamar Lovelace and a layup by Popoola as Keuka scored the final seven points of the half to lead by six, 48-42, at the break.

The Wolves extended their lead to eight, but Sage rallied back to tie the game at 51-51 three minutes into the second half. The Gators later used eight unanswered to erase a Keuka lead and push the game in their favor at 59-55. However, the Wolves continued to battle. Six straight by the Green and Gold put the game back in their favor with 11 minutes left to play, and Keuka would not surrender the lead from there. Keuka held the hosts off the board for nearly five minutes down the stretch. During that time, Keuka pushed their advantage to double figures. The Wolves saw the game out as Keuka College defeated Russell Sage 93-80.

KC Notes:

• The Wolves completed the season sweep of the Gators with the win. Keuka is 8-3 all-time against the Russell Sage
• Lamar Lovelace continues to have a record-setting season for the Green and Gold. He is back atop the Empire 8 Conference scoring ranks. He is currently tied with Scott Peper for fourth on the Keuka College single-season list with 448 points
• Both Lovelace and Popoola knocked down four threes for the Wolves. As a team, Keuka shot 10-21 from deep while Russell Sage shot 6-22
• The Wolves won the rebounding battle 49-45. Behind 12 from Nutifafa was nine by Lamar Lovelace. The senior also had five assists in the game
• Noreon Williams posted a season-high nine rebounds as well for Keuka

Up Next for Keuka College: Now with their place in the postseason secured, Keuka College will enter their final regular season weekend with an eye on seeding. Keuka College will have a tough test as they host conference-leading Nazareth University on Friday night. The Wolves will then welcome St. John Fisher University to the JMW Recreation and Athletics Center on Saturday.