CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team fell in a another close battle with Russell Sage College on Wednesday evening, 64-57. Will Radcliff led his team in the loss, posting his first double-double of the season.

The pair traded buckets to open the contest before RSC built a five-point lead that Isaiah Francis slowed with his buckets to make it 9-6 with 11:47 on the clock.

Momentum continued in favor of the Gators as they put up a pair of treys to extend their lead to 15-6. It was Crisrael Lithgow who ignited an eight-point run with his layup. Justin Schwarzbeck and Tray Blount owned points in the run.

Ben Seiler put up two three-pointers to bring the Spartans within four as the seconds ran down on the first half, seeing them trail 30-26.

RSC was able to build its lead to 12 in the early goings of the second half, eventually slowed by a Radcliff layup at 15:53.

Radcliff came alive in the second, successful on two and-one opportunities within a 60 second period to make it 44-40.

The Gators and Spartans continued to trade blows throughout the remaining minuted, collecting a collective nine fouls in the final two minutes. Despite its best efforts, VTSU Castleton succumbed to pressure, falling 64-57.

Radcliff had himself an outing, owning a team-best 14 points and 11 rebounds (3 offensive, 8 defensive). The junior went 5-7 from the field.

Classmate Seiler was close behind on offensive push with 12 points. Schwarzbeck was second-best off the boards with his eight defensive rebounds. Also adding two blocks and one steal.

The Spartans continue to search for their first win of the season as they take on the Williams College Ephs in the opening contest of the Purple and Gold Classic at 3 p.m. on Saturday.