The SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team made enough timely shots late in the game Friday to pick up a 55-52 victory at Fredonia in a State University of New York Athletic Conference showdown at Fredonia, N.Y.

The Bears (4-20 overall, 3-14 SUNYAC), who led by as many as nine points in the second half, saw their lead disappear with four minutes remaining. A 3-pointer by senior captain Brittany Whitton (DeKalb, N.Y.) on the ensuing possession gave Potsdam a 47-46 advantage with 3:37 to play.

Fredonia (6-17, 4-13) regained the lead at 48-47 with 1:51 remaining, but the Bears took the lead for good on a 3-pointer from the right wing by senior captain Aimee Kellicutt (Lisle, N.Y.), who led the team with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and five steals.

“It was back and forth for most of the game, but we made shots when we had to,” Potsdam coach Tara Ruckh said. “Aimee hit a big 3-pointer late in the game that put us ahead for good.”

Potsdam converted five free throws in the final 45 seconds and didn’t give the Blue Devils a clean look from beyond the arc on the game’s last possession to clinch the win.

Whitton finished with 11 points and four steals while freshman Jessica Kouzan (Webster, N.Y.) tallied 11 points and five rebounds for the Bears, who shot 39.1 percent and forced 26 Fredonia turnovers in the contest.

“I thought we played well defensively giving up only 52 points and forcing 26 turnovers,” Ruckh said. “They outrebounded us 40-31 but I thought we rebounded when we needed to.

“Overall I’m pleased with the way we battled. We needed a win and got one.”

In the first half, Potsdam led by as many as six before the lead dwindled to 28-27 heading into the locker room. The Bears made five 3-pointers, including two by sophomore Katy Briedis (Canton, N.Y.), in the period.

Potsdam returns to the floor for its final regular season game tomorrow at Buffalo State. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. in Buffalo, N.Y.