SCHENECTADY, NY - Despite three double-digit scorers, the Vassar men's basketball was defeated by Liberty League foe Union on Saturday afternoon, 99-73, in the Brewers' second game of a three-game road trip.

Avni Mustafaj (Yonkers, NY) had 16 points also grabbed five rebounds. Zach Bromfeld (Woodmere, NY) recorded 14 points as well and registered a team-high six rebounds. Kevin McAuliffe (Bethesda, MD) tallied 11 points and hit 3-of-5 three-pointers.

Vassar held their own in the opening minutes, playing solid defense and keeping pace on the offensive end. The Brewers held a 4-3 lead at the 18:21 mark after two made free throws by Mustafaj. But once Union connected for a jumper and a 5-4 lead, they took control of the game and never relinquished the lead. The Dutchmen finished the first half on a 34-17 run to give themselves a 21-point lead at the break.

 In the second half, Vassar would find themselves down by as much as 36 points and had a difficult time chipping away at the Union lead. The Dutchmen opened on a 10-0 run before McAuliffe drained a three-pointer at 16:19 to break the streak. Another McAuliffe triple spurred a 5-0 series, but Union responded immediately with a trey. The deficit continued to grow throughout the half, and the Brewers never were able to cut the lead to single digits. 

 For the game, Vassar shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 35.3 percent shooting from deep range. From the free-throw line, the Brewers were 21-of-28 (75.0 percent) for the game.

Neville Lee (Yonkers, NY) added seven points, while freshman Ben Freed (Augusta, GA) recorded a career-high seven points and two assists. Joey Sacco (Ocean City, NJ) led Vassar with four assists.

Vassar continues league play on Tues. Jan. 21 when they travel to Skidmore for a 7:30 p.m. contest.