CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team fell to conference opponent Keene State on Wednesday night. 

The Basics

Final Score: Keene State 87, VTSU Castleton 65

Location: Glenbrook Gym - Castleton, Vt.

Records: Keene State 3-4, 1-0 LEC | VTSU Castleton 2-5, 0-1 LEC

How It Happened

The first six minutes saw the Owls pull to a 17-10 lead before Will Radcliff drained a three-pointer to bring Castleton within four to keep pace with the Owls. 

The Spartans struggled to overcome early mistakes, as a series of turnovers allowed the Owls to go on a decisive run and build a commanding lead before the half. Keene State converted several points off of Castleton miscues before Ben Seiler was able to stop their momentum and make a layup within the final seconds of the half, giving Keene State a 53-28 lead. 

The Owls lengthened the lead at the start of the second half, but not before Radcliff netted several layups to chip away at the deficit. Despite the Spartans' effort, including contributions from multiple players off the bench, they couldn't match the Owls' momentum, who continued to pull away and never looked back. 

By the Numbers

• Radcliff led the Spartans with 26 points, nine rebounds, and two steals, going 9-of-12 from the floor, 2-of-3 from three, and 6-of-7 at the line. 
• Seiler added 10 points, converting 5-of-11 from the field.
• First year Jerrick Jacobs made his collegiate debut, finishing with four points and one assist. 
• Keene State's Mitch Shettles paced the Owls with 17 points. 

What's Next

The Spartans will travel to UMass Dartmouth for a 2 p.m. tipoff in conference play on December 6.