POTSDAM, NY (February 6, 2015) – Clarkson overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half, while senior Charles McAllister tied for a game-high 18 points as the Golden Knights held off Vassar 69-62 Friday night. Vassar led for much of the game at Alumni Gymnasium, but a trio of consecutive three pointers from the hosts down the stretch in the second half paced Clarkson to the seven-point victory. Senior Alex Snyder (Rutland, VT/Rutland) and junior Erikson Wasyl (Durham, CT/Coginchaug) both finished with 18 points for the Brewers, but VC fell just short to drop to 6-14 (2-9 Liberty League) on the year. Clarkson improves to 16-4 (9-2 LL) with the victory.

After an early push from Clarkson gave the hosts a 6-2 lead at the start, Vassar found its groove offensively to counter the Golden Knights in the opening half. The Brewers featured senior Snyder early and often down low, as the forward netted eight of the team's first 11 points to take a two point lead at the 14:03 mark.

Vassar began to heat up from downtown through the early goings of the first, as the team finished 5-10 from beyond the arc with four different players recording a triple in the half. Clarkson hung around with four three balls on its own, but VC defended its lead getting looks underneath while keeping the Golden Knights off the charity stripe. Despite making only one field goal in the final five minutes of the half, solid defense with 12 points off turnovers had the Brewers ahead 33-28 heading into the locker room.

The teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the second, before McAllister put his team ahead 37-35 on an and-one layup with 15:45 to play. VC battled back, regaining the lead on one of Wasyl's four triples on the night to jump ahead 38-37.

VC saw its last lead of the game dissipate at the 7:27 mark, after a three pointer from senior Dylan Hodownes ignited a 9-1 run for the Golden Knights. Another Hodownes triple and a long ball from McAllister gave Clarkson its largest advantage of the game to that point forcing a VC timeout to try and halt the run.

VC would get as close as four after a Snyder layup made it 59-55 with 2:28 remaining, but the Golden Knights locked in during the closing minutes sinking enough free throws to secure the win.

Despite the loss VC had a quality night shooting, finishing 51.0% from the floor and 45.0% (9-20) from deep in the game. Senior Curtis Smith (Mastic, NY/Eastport South Manor) posted 11 points and four assist for the Brewers. Snyder tallied his seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 11 boards and 18 points.

The Brewers will be back at it tomorrow afternoon to face St. Lawrence University at 4:00 pm in Canton, NY.

--VASSAR--