Box Score

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (February 6, 2010) – Although Vassar won the first match-up 69-63 on January 15, Clarkson University women's basketball team evened the series at one game apiece with a 60-49 victory over Vassar College on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics and Fitness Center.

The Brewers fall to 7-12, 3-5 and look to boost their Liberty League record on the road this weekend, facing Union this Friday at 6:00 p.m. and Skidmore on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The Golden Knights improve to 5-15, 2-8 and host Paul Smiths College this Tuesday at 6:00 p.m in their final non-league game of the season.

The previous seven games between Vassar and Clarkson were won by an average of just over five points and consequently the six first half ties and halftime score of 26-26 indicated that this game would be no different.

However, it looked to be the end of this trend as the Brewers went on a 8-0 run early in the second half with two lay-ups from Brittany Parks and jumpers by Olivia Westbrook-Gold and Kristyn Tempora to take a 38-30 lead with 13 minutes remaining.

The Golden Knights responded as a three-pointer by Lauren Pluchino sparked a 21-3 surge positioning Clarkson ahead by 10 points at 51-41 with six minutes left to play. Pluchino accounted for eight points during that span, drawing contact in the paint to convert an old-fashioned three-point play and a pair of free throws. Carey Turner chipped in with a three-pointer and an old-fashioned three-point play of her own. Clarkson held their lead, ending the game on a 30-11 point run.

Vassar had a similar first half lead, opening up the scoring with an eight point run to pull ahead 22-13. Clarkson countered with a 12-2 run to take their first lead of the game at 25-24 with just over a minute remaining in the half.

Senior forward Emily Haeuser led Vassar with 14 points and and a game-high six blocks in addition to seven rebounds in only 27 minutes of play. Tempora paced Vassar with nine rebounds. Parks had a game-high six steals accompanied by four assists and nine points. Freshman Tori Chaltain chipped in a well-rounded eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Pluchino led Clarkson with a game-high 21 points, team-highs of eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks, as well as three steals. Turner contributed 19 points and a team-high four assists.