PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team fell to conference opponent Plymouth Tuesday night, 90-64.
 
The first five minutes saw the Panthers pull out to a 10-6 lead before Justin Schwarzbeck drained a three-pointer to bring Castleton within two a minute later to keep pace with the Panthers.
 
As halftime approached, the Panthers pulled out to a larger lead, but the Spartans continued to put up a fight. Will Radcliff netted a layup with two minutes left for the Spartans' last bucket of the half, down by 12, before the Panthers found one more scoring opportunity to lead 40-26 at halftime.
 
The Panthers lengthened the lead at the start of the second half, but not before Troy Butler knocked down two threes to keep the Spartans within 15. The Spartans could not keep up with the Panthers who pulled away and did not let up.
 
Butler led the team with 17 points, draining three three-pointers and shooting 100% from the free-throw line.
 
Radcliff had 12 points with 10 rebounds and one steal.
 
The Spartans return home Thursday, January 16 as they host LEC opponent Eastern Connecticut at 5 p.m.