CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team dropped an 83-61 decision to UMaine-Farmington on Friday evening in the opening game of the Castleton Showcase at Glenbrook Gymnasium.
The Basics
Final Score: UMaine Farmington 83, VTSU Castleton 61
Location: Glenbrook Gym - Castleton, Vt.
Records: UMaine Farmington 1-1 | VTSU Castleton 0-3
How It Happened
Castleton opened the game with early rhythm, with Will Radcliff scoring repeatedly in the paint and Joe Buxton and Ben Seiler contributing early baskets, keeping the Spartans close despite UMaine Farmington's outside shooting. The Spartans kept pace in the opening minutes, with Radcliff connecting inside and Seiler knocking down a mid-range jumper to pull Castleton within a basket midway through the first half. Farmington responded with a series of perimeter surges, using back-to-back threes from Zach McLaughlin to build an eight-point advantage. Castleton continued to battle defensively, highlighted by a block from freshman Seamus Demauro and key rebounds from Elijah Maldonado, but the Beavers closed the half on a small run to take a 35-27 lead into the locker room.
The Beavers' offense heated up in the second half, with McLaughlin, Charlie Houghton, and Brayden St. Pierre combining for multiple three-pointers to extend their lead. Castleton answered early behind a Buxton layup and a Seiler three, while Radcliff continued to work inside the paint, scoring three straight baskets to keep the Spartans within single digits. The Beavers' efficiency beyond the arc (51.9%) widened the gap despite strong defensive stretches from the Spartans. Maldonado provided a spark with a pair of threes to cut the deficit to eight, and Radcliff added several tough finishes at the rim. Farmington countered with a relentless attack from McLaughlin and Gabe Michaud to push the lead out of reach in the final five minutes, ending the game 83-61.
By the Numbers
- Radcliff led the Spartans with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist.
- Freshman Ethan Lussier made his Castleton debut, adding two points off the bench.
- Castleton shot 36.2% from the field, 21.4% from the arc, and 65% at the free throw line.
- UMF's Zach McLaughlin led all scorers with 32 points, adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
- The Beavers finished 52.6% from the floor, 51.9% from the three-point line, and 56.3% at the free throw line, producing 17 second-chance points.
What's Next
The Spartans continue play in the Castleton Showcase on Saturday afternoon, facing St.John Fisher in a non-conference matchup at 2 p.m.
