CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team fell to conference opponent Rhode Island College in Providence, 78-54.
The Basics
Final Score: Rhode Island College 78, VTSU Castleton 54
Location: The Murray Center – Providence, R.I.
Records: Rhode Island College 7-3, 3-0 LEC | VTSU Castleton 3-7, 0-3 LEC
How it Happened:
The Spartans opened the game with an 11-5 run, fueled by fast-break layups from Will Radcliff and a three pointer from Elijah Maldonado. Rhode Island quickly answered, unleashing a 23-4 run behind strong perimeter shooting and control of the boards. Radcliff continued to attack in the paint to keep Castleton within reach, but the Anchormen maintained their momentum and carried a 44-30 lead into halftime.
Rhode Island picked up right where they left off, applying heavy defensive pressure and building a 20-point lead early in the second half. The Spartans responded with a stretch of improved play, as Radcliff and Ethan Lussier connected efficiently to cut the deficit to 10, while Joe Buxton added a pair of layups to keep up the momentum. Despite the late surge from Castleton, Rhode Island's efficient shooting proved decisive, as the Anchormen shot 61 percent from the field and 37 percent from three, while Castleton finished at 34 percent overall and 25 percent from deep, but went 100 percent from the line.
By the Numbers:
- Radcliff led the Spartans with 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two steals.
- Maldonado contributed 12 points with a steal and two assists.
- Seiler and Lussier helped connect on multiple baskets for Radcliff with three apiece.
What's Next
The Spartans will return from the break to host Curry College on December 30th at Glenbrook Gym with a 3 p.m. tipoff.
