Box Score

POTSDAM, NY (January 25, 2008) -- Clarkson's men's basketball team was able to accomplish something no other opponent has managed against the Brewers in nearly two months: A victory. Sophomore Keith Murray (Queens, NY) scored a career-high 14 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists as the Golden Knights knocked off the Brewers, 65-56 in Liberty League play at Alumni Gymnasium.

The loss snapped a 10-game winning streak and a then perfect 3-0 record in league play. The Brewers (11-2, 3-1) lost for just the second time this season and will next face St. Lawrence on Saturday at 4:00 pm. The Saints defeated RPI 77-51 and are now 4-0 in the league. At 3-1, Vassar is tied with Clark and Hamilton. With the victory the Golden Knights improved to 3-1 in the conference and 5-10 overall. Clarkson faces Rensselaer on Saturday.

Clarkson's run of impressive home performances appeared ready to continue from their first half play. The Golden Knights were stingy on defense, allowing the high-scoring Brewers just 19 points in the first half as Vassar shot just 7-for-20 from the floor. The Knights shot just under 50 percent for the half (13-for-27), and held a dominating advantage on the boards, outrebounding Vassar 21-10, including eight on the offensive end.

Murray was the Knights' high-scorer with 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers. Clarkson also earned nine assists on 13 field goals, including five assists by Brandon Linton (Queens, NY) and four by Murray. Lawrence Avitabile led Vassar with six points, but he was able to get just one rebound in 17 minutes.

In the second half, Vassar closed to within eight points on a couple of occasions, but a tightly called game made it difficult for the Brewers, who missed 14 free throws, most of which came when the game was still in doubt. Clarkson spread its lead to as many as 18 points late in the game, and the Brewers made a comeback with the Knights' reserves in play, but could not make enough of a dent in the margin. Clarkson held a double-digit lead for the majority of the half, and would have finished up with a double figure advantage had it not been for a last second 3-pointer from the Brewers.

Besides Murray, no other Clarkson player finished in double figures, with Ryan Smith (Niagara Falls, NY) and Brandon Linton accounting for nine each. Jon Swartz (Nanuet, NY) and Taylor Petruccelli (Stratford, CT) each scored nine to lead the Brewers.