FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team came up just short in an overtime road battle Tuesday night, falling 81-79 to Fitchburg State in a back-and-forth non-conference matchup.
The Basics
Final Score: Fitchburg State 81, VTSU Castleton 79
Location: Parkinson Gym - Fitchburg, Mass.
Records: Fitchburg State 2-0 | VTSU Castleton 0-2
How It Happened
The Spartans opened the game on fire, jumping out to a commanding 16-5 lead behind strong defense and early offensive momentum. Will Radcliff dominated the paint, while Ben Seiler and Joe Buxton fueled the early scoring run. Castleton forced multiple Fitchburg timeouts in the opening minutes and built a 13-point advantage midway through the first half. Fitchburg responded late, stringing together a nine-point run to take a slim 30-29 lead into the locker room.
The second half featured several lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Radcliff and Seiler continued to power Castleton's offense, combining for more than half of the team's points. The Spartans reclaimed the lead with under seven minutes to play after consecutive three-pointers from Seiler and Buxton, but Fitchburg rallied to tie the game at 65-65, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Castleton struck first with a layup from Radcliff and a three-pointer from Buxton to take a 70-65 lead. Fitchburg answered with buckets from Jalen Jackson, and the teams continued to battle back and forth until the final minute. Seiler buried a clutch three-pointer with 17 seconds remaining to even the game at 79-79, but Jackson's layup with seven seconds left sealed the 81-79 win for the Falcons, keeping them undefeated.
By the Numbers
- Radcliff led the Spartans with 26 points ,16 rebounds, and 4 assists, for his first double double of the season.
- Seiler added 24 points and 3 rebounds, knocking down six three-pointers and going 4-5 from the free-throw line.
- Buxton contributed 7 points and 2 assists, including a crucial three-pointer in overtime.
- As a team, Castleton shot 40% from the field, 41% from the three-point line, and 73% at the free-throw line, while collecting six second-chance points.
- Fitchburg State's Jackson led all scorers with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while the Falcons shot 44% from the floor, and 31% from the three-point line, generating nine second-chance points.
What's Next
The Spartans return home to host the Spartan Classic, facing UMaine Farmington on Friday at 5 p.m. before taking on St. John Fisher on Saturday at 2 p.m.
