DANBURY, Conn. – The Vermont State University men's basketball team opened its conference slate in a hard-fought loss at Western Connecticut State on Wednesday, 87-70. VTSU Castleton was led by Ben Seiler who put up 31 points to fuel his team's efforts.

The hosts outscored Castleton 50-33 in the opening half, as they went on a 14-7 run to open the contest. Seiler was able to open the scoring with a trey after just 18 seconds.

Half two was much more competitive as each team put up 37 points.

The Spartans went on a 14-point run to end the contest, powered by a trio of AJ Quesnel buckets beyond the arc. Crisrael Lithgow and Isaiah Francis also owned points in the run.

Seiler was the picture of efficiency as he went 11-for-18 (61.1%) from the field and 7-for-11 (63.6%) from three. He also recorded three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Leonard Brice and Will Radcliff each put up 10 points in the Spartans' loss. Brice was second-best off the backboard with seven rebounds.

It was Justin Schwarzbeck that led his team on defense as he went up for a team-best nine defensive boards. He also owned the squad's only block on the day.

The Spartans return to Glenbrook Gym on Saturday as they play host to the Anchormen of Rhode Island College in a 3 p.m. LEC contest.