NEW LONDON, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team battled through a tense back-and-forth contest Tuesday night, defeating Colby-Sawyer 86-81 in overtime for their second win of the season.
The Basics
Final Score: VTSU Castleton 86, Colby-Sawyer 81
Location: David L. Coffin Fieldhouse - New London, N.H.
Records: VTSU Castleton 2-4 | Colby-Sawyer 0-6
How It Happened
Elijah Maldonado opened the game with a driving layup to give the Spartans their first points, before
Will Radcliff settled in, scoring on back-to-back drives and setting the tone for Castleton's offense. Elijah Thomas led the response in the first half for Colby-Sawyer with 17 of his 19 points, but Radcliff kept Castleton within reach by knocking down a pair of three-pointers and converting inside points. Despite the back-and-forth stretch, the Chargers carried a narrow edge into halftime.
The second half remained tight, with the teams trading baskets throughout the half. Radcliff continued to power the Castleton offense, while Maldonado added a few drives of his own to keep the score within one possession. Thomas kept the Chargers in front with strong rebounding, and Bellows added key buckets to maintain pressure on the Spartans. Castleton made its push in regulation, with Radcliff and Maldonado sparking a late scoring burst. Colby-Sawyer answered at the line in the closing seconds, converting free throws to even the score and send the game into overtime.
The Spartans took command with the extra minutes.
Zach Thompson tied the game with an early layup off a feed from Radcliff, and
Joe Buxton followed with a go-ahead three to give Castleton a 76-75 advantage. After Colby-Sawyer briefly pulled even from the free throw line, Radcliff responded with a three point play to put the Spartans back in front, 79-77. Castleton continued to capitalize at the line, with
Ben Seiler and Maldonado combining for four makes in the final minute to keep the Chargers at arm's length. Thompson sealed the win with a free throw in the final seconds, securing the Spartans' overtime victory.
By the Numbers
- Radcliff led all scorers with 30 points, adding nine rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
- Maldonado finished with 13 points, contributing four assists, and two steals.
- Castleton shot 42.9% from the field, 21.4% from the arc, and 72.7% at the free throw line.
- The Spartans earned 28 points off of turnovers and nine second chance points.
What's Next
The Spartans will return home after the break for their first conference game of the season against Keene State on December 3 with a 7:30 pm tipoff.
