DANBURY, CT (November 25, 2014) – Four different Colonials finished in double figures, as Western Connecticut State downed Vassar 92-51 Tuesday evening. The Colonial offense, which came into the matchup averaging 90.0 points a game this season, used a key first half run to open up a lead and cruised in the second half to secure the win. Western Connecticut moves to 3-0 on the year with the victory, while VC drops to 2-3.

Vassar was able to go up early, after a pair of Erikson Wasyl (Durham, CT/Coginchaug) free throws and a jumper from senior Alex Snyder (Rutland, VT/Rutland) made it 4-0. After two free throws from the Colonials, a jumper from senior Curtis Smith (Mastic, NY/Eastport South Manor) had the visitors back up by four with 17:19 to play.

Western Connecticut took its first lead of the game at the 13:06 mark, after a layup from senior Russell Payton had the hosts up 9-8. The teams traded buckets back and forth for much of the half, as the Brewers remained within striking distance with under eight to play.

Down 21-25 at the 6:14 mark, the Colonials opened up their lead with a 19-4 run to end the half. The Brewers could not find an offensive rhythm, as the streak of hot shooting had Western Connecticut ahead  44-23 as the teams went into the locker room.

The Brewers could not recover in the second half, as WCSU continued to make open looks and convert chances down low. The Colonials were opportunistic on defense, scoring 37 points off turnovers while edging VC in rebounds 36-31. Western Connecticut limited VC to 37.5 pct. shooting in the second half, while shooting 53.2 pct. from the field to seal the win.

Curtis Smith and Western Connecticut junior Phil Starks tied for a game-high 14 points. Snyder added 13 points and nine boards for the Brewers.

The Brewers will return to action at home in the AFC on November 30 to face Trinity College (Conn.) at 4:00 pm. 

-VASSAR-