LATE RUN CLOSES HOPE FOR KNIGHTS IN REMATCH VERSUS POTSDAM

December 1, 2005

Potsdam, NY - Spearheaded by a 16-4 run to end the game, Potsdam State defeated the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team for the second time this season with a 79-61 victory over the Golden Knights Thursday night at Potsdam's Maxcy Hall.

Clarkson dropped to 1-3 on the season with the defeat and Potsdam State improved to 4-0 on the young season. The Golden Knights return to action this weekend when they visit Elmira and Cazenova on Saturday and Sunday.

The Golden Knights and Bears played most of the first half trading baskets, with neither team able to get much a lead. The Bears started to pull away slightly near the close of the half, but the Knights came in the waning minutes to pull within two points, 35-33.

The second half saw the Knights fall behind by double digits early on but a methodical run by Clarkson saw the Knights down by just four, 53-49, with 10:36 remaining. The Bears bounced back out to a nine-point advantage, but Clarkson again whittled the lead down to four with seven minutes remaining. Trailing 63-57 late, the Bears began to take advantage of Clarkson's foul trouble as forwards Ryan Smith and Russ Vitallo both fouled out. With the Knights' big men out of the game, Potsdam State made several shots in the post to gain the victory.

Junior forward Jon Youngmann (Corinth, NY) had his best game of the season thus far with 14 points and five rebounds, shooting 5-for-11 from the floor. Classmate EJ Harrison (Troy, NY) contributed 11 points and senior forward Russ Vitallo (Dracut, MA) scored 10 points. Edane Barton led all scorers with 20 points and added 11 rebounds for the Bears.

Potsdam controlled the glass 41-30, a reversal for the Golden Knights when they owned a 49-32 advantage in rebounds in the first game between the two teams.

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