VESTAL - OFA's Unified basketball team made the trip to Vestal on Tuesday evening, going basket for basket with the Golden Bears in an exciting West Division Championship game.

Vestal picked up the win, 53-46 in a back and forth contest that showed the inclusivity and positivity that Unified basketball is all about.

Vestal came out strong in the first quarter, but five consecutive mid-range buckets from Ethan Kilmer put Owego ahead, 14-10 after the first quarter.

In the second stanza, Stephen Gilmore got OFA started with a pair of short range scores followed by Skylar Cornett, Sydney Shoen and Jaydin Brainard-Tracy getting in on the action as well to keep the River Hawks in front, taking a 24-22 lead into the break. 

In the third quarter, three different members of the River Hawks netted buckets, including Ashton Lanfair, Paige Ellis and Kilmer. Vestal responded by going on a run and making some timely shots. With the clock ticking down, the Golden Bears hit a half court buzzer beater to the delight of the crowd, ending the third quarter ahead 45-38.

Brainard-Tracy and Kilmer knocked down shots for Owego in the final quarter, but Vestal did enough to keep their lead and pull out the win.

OFA's Ethan Kilmer finished with 20 points on the night, while Brainard-Tracy, Ellis, Gilmore and Shoen each had four points.

"We played really well in the first half, and really the entire game. This game is a lot about having a run and Vestal made one at the end there. Even though it didn't go our way, they played great and I am very proud of my team," said Owego coach, Perry Silvestri.

"This is a great opportunity for students who wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to play sports like basketball. It's truly a great program."