POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 30, 2014) – Trinity College finished 9-13 from the foul line in the second half, making seven of its final eight attempts to hold off Vassar 52-44 Sunday evening. Junior Jaquann Starks finished with a team-high 13 points, while senior Alex Conaway totaled 11 to pace the Bantams. Vassar drops to 2-4 on the year with the loss, while Trinity improves to 4-2 with the victory.

Vassar trailed throughout the second half in the contest at the Athletic and Fitness Center, but remained within striking distance as the Bantam lead never eclipsed nine. A triple from junior Erikson Wasyl (Durham, CT/Coginchaug) cut the Trinity advantage to six at the 18:17 mark, and a layup from senior Luka Ladan (Belmont, MA/Belmont) less than two minutes later made it 24-28 in favor of the visitors. Trinity continued to find answers when pressured by the Brewers to score, as a three pointer from junior Rick Naylor had Trinity up by seven again with 16:16 to play.

The Brewers remained close, and came within four at the 3:23 mark after a Curtis Smith (Mastic, NY/Eastport South Manor) three ball made it 39-43. The teams again traded baskets, before VC was able to regain possession with less than two minutes to play.

The Brewers could not convert however, as a pair of jumpers did not find the net forcing VC to foul with under a minute left. Despite shooting only 40.0 pct. from the charity stripe in the game's opening 39 minutes, the Bantams were clutch down the stretch converting three one-and-one opportunities to seal the eight-point victory.

Despite Vassar leading 4-0 to start the game, Trinity eventually gained control of the first half with a combination of timely shooting and solid defense. The Bantams finished 7-for-14 from beyond the arc in the game, while VC made only 3-for13 from long range. Senior Alex Snyder (Rutland, VT/Rutland) finished tied for a game-high 13 points. 

The Brewers will return to game action on the road this Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 pm to face Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. 

-VASSAR-