POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (January 24, 2015) – Clarkson raced out to a 15-2 lead in the opening minutes of the game and never looked back, as the Golden Knights earned a 69-38 victory over Vassar Saturday afternoon. Clarkson shot 49.1% from the field while holding VC to just 31.3% shooting, as the Golden Knights improved to 13-3 (6-1 Liberty League) with the win. Vassar drops to 5-11 on the season and 1-6 in the Liberty League in the loss.

The Golden Knights never trailed in the contest at the Athletics and Fitness Center, as they sunk six of their first seven shots to take a 15-2 lead five minutes into the first half. A jumper from senior Curtis Smith (Mastic, NY/Eastport South Manor) halted the 12-point run at the 14:55 mark, but Clarkson continued to remain in control throughout the remainder of the half.

CU shot 62.1% from the floor in the opening half, while nailing 6-12 shots from beyond the arc to take a commanding 43-19 lead into halftime. The Golden Knights opened up the second frame of play with another big run, outscoring the Brewers 11-2 in the first four minutes to take a 54-22 advantage.

Vassar never threatened the lead throughout the second, as Clarkson took care of the basketball and clinched the 69-38 victory as times expired.

The Golden Knights won the battle on the boards, out-rebounding VC 36-31 in the game. CU committed a season-low five turnovers in the game, while the Brewers finished with 11.  Junior Felix Abongo scored a game-high 14 points for Clarkson on 6-10 shooting from the field and 2-3 from the charity stripe. Senior Luka Ladan (Belmont, MA/Belmont) was the leading scorer for Vassar, finishing with nine points and six rebounds.

The Brewers will be back on the hardwood on Tuesday, January 27 to face RPI on the road in Troy, NY. Tip-off is slated for 8:00 pm.

-VASSAR-