FINAL FREE THROWS DO IN KNIGHTS VERSUS HOBART

February 17, 2006

Potsdam, NY – A pair of free throws by Hobart’s Joe Virgilio with five seconds remaining proved to be too much for the Clarkson University Men’s Basketball team to overcome as the Statesmen held on for a narrow 66-62 Liberty League victory on Friday night at Alumni Gymnasium.

The Golden Knights dropped to 5-19 overall and 2-11 in the Liberty League while Hobart continued to pursue the Liberty League post-season at 12-11 overall and 8-5 in conference.

The two teams traded baskets for the first portion of the half, but Hobart was able to gain nearly a double-digit advantage with 8:20 remaining in the half, 22-13. However, Clarkson climbed back into the game with a 9-1 run over the next three minutes to cut the lead to one point. Hobart was able to use a late run in the half to push their lead to 30-26 at the half.

John Grazioli scored 10 points on 5-for-12 shooting to lead Hobart in the first half while Russ Vitallo (Dracut, MA) duplicated Grazioli’s performance with 10 points for Clarkson. The Golden Knights dominated on the boards, 21-11, but Hobart turned the ball over only three times to make the most of its possessions.

Hobart picked up numerous seven points leads in the second half, including 39-32 with 14:05 remaining. However, the Knights took their first lead of the game 40-39 just a few minutes later when Russ Vitallo was able to convert one of his two free throws. The Statesmen didn’t panic and were able to regain their seven-point advantage, but some timely free throw shooting saw the Knights cut the lead down to a single possession with less than three minutes to go. A free throw from Colby Feane and a lay up in traffic by Joe Virgilio gave Hobart a lead of four points with less than a minute remaining. After a three-pointer by EJ Harrison (Troy, NY) cut the lead, the Statesmen were able to bury their free throws and hold on for the victory.

Russ Vitallo finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, both game-highs, for the Golden Knights. EJ Harrison and Brandon Rigg Reives (Elmont, NY) each contributed 12 points for Clarkson. Grazioli finished with 16 points and six rebounds for Hobart while Colby Feane added 12 points. Mike Manning came off the bench to add 10 points for the Statesmen.

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