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Ben Seiler
72
Winner Rensselaer RPI 1-0,0-0 Liberty League
60
VTSU Castleton Castle 0-1,0-0 Little East
Winner
Rensselaer RPI
1-0,0-0 Liberty League
72
Final
60
VTSU Castleton Castle
0-1,0-0 Little East
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Rensselaer RPI 34 38 72
VTSU Castleton Castle 30 30 60

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Late Push Falls Flat as Spartans Drop Home Opener

CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team dropped its home opener Friday night, falling 72-60 to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in a non-conference matchup. 

The Basics

Final Score: RPI 72, VTSU Castleton 60

Location: Glenbrook Gymnasium - Castleton, Vt.

Records: RPI 1-0 | VTSU Castleton 0-1

How It Happened

The Spartans battled closely with the Engineers in a fast-paced first half, trading buckets and momentum swings. Castleton came out firing, knocking down over 57 percent of their shots and nearly half of their three-pointers to keep pace with the Engineers, tying up the score four times in just the first half. Despite the strong offensive start, RPI edged ahead 34-30 at the break. The Engineers carried their momentum into the second half, capitalizing on second-chance points and precise shooting to pull away late for the win. 

Senior Ben Seiler paced the Spartans' offense with a team-high 21 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and 4-for-5 from the three point line. Seiler continued to showcase his perimeter presence, keeping Castleton's offense steady against a strong RPI defense. Elijah Maldonado made a strong Spartan debut with 11 points, four assists, and four rebounds, while veteran forward Will Radcliff contributed nine points and six rebounds. Adam Bilodeau added a spark off the bench with eight points. 

Castleton matched RPI's intensity throughout the night, shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from the three point arc, while committing only eight turnovers. The Engineers, however, used a 31-25 rebounding edge and 30 second-chance points to maintain control of the game, pulling away late with the win. 

By the Numbers

  • Seiler led the Spartans with 21 points.
  • From beyond the arc, the Spartans held the edge, shooting 38.1% compared to RPI's 23.5%. 
  • Castleton posted a higher field goal percentage at 46.7% compared to RPI's 43.3%. 
  • At the free throw line, RPI led the way, shooting 70.6% to Castleton's 66.7%. 
  • The Engineers controlled the glass with a 31-25 rebounding advantage. 
  • Second-chance points proved decisive, with RPI scoring 30 compared to Castleton's seven. 

What's Next

The Spartans hit the road on Tuesday as they travel to Fitchburg State for another non-conference matchup at 6 PM. 

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