CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team opened the new year with a season-high scoring performance, rallying from an early deficit to defeat SUNY Canton, 96-91, in a non-conference matchup.
The Basics
Final Score: VTSU Castleton 96, SUNY Canton 91
Location: Glenbrook Gymnasium – Castleton, Vt.
Records: VTSU Castleton 5-7, 0-3 LEC | SUNY Canton 1-7, 0-2 SUNYAC
How It Happened
Castleton opened the game with early momentum, jumping out to a 15-6 lead behind several early baskets from Ben Seiler and points generated off SUNY Canton turnovers. About five minutes into the game, the Roos settled in and capitalized on Castleton errors of their own, using a 10-3 run to force a Spartan timeout. SUNY Canton carried that momentum out of the break, converting turnovers into easy baskets to take control and build a steady lead heading into halftime.
Despite the deficit, Zach Thompson and Elijah Maldonado kept the Spartans within striking distance in the first half, but SUNY Canton's efficiency and turnover points proved too much to overcome as the Roos took a 55-39 advantage into the locker room.
The second half opened much like the first, as the early foul trouble sent the Roos to the free-throw line and allowed them to extend their lead. Castleton refused to fold, steadily chipping away as SUNY Canton mistakes mounted. Around the 15:46 mark, the Spartans began to fully capitalize on SUNY Canton turnovers, eventually finishing the night with 28 points off turnovers.
Frequent trips to the free-throw line helped Castleton continue to close the gap, trimming the deficit to five with just under nine minutes to play. SUNY Canton managed to hold off the late surge from the Spartans for several minutes, but momentum swung again after consecutive three-pointers from Maldonado and Joe Buxton cut the Roos' lead to one at the 7:52 mark.
From there, the game turned into a free-throw battle as both teams traded points down the stretch. With Castleton trailing late, Thompson came up with a key steal and dished to Jake Oglesby for the tying basket at 86-86. The Spartans sealed the win at the line in the final minutes, pulling away for the 96-91 victory.
By the Numbers
- Thompson led the Spartans with 21 points, adding two assists and two steals, while shooting 6-8 from the field, 3-4 from beyond the arc, and 6-6 at the free-throw line.
- Seiler followed with 20 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
- Maldonado chipped in 14 points, two assists, and four steals, including a key three-pointer.
- Will Radcliff recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
- Castleton finished shooting 43.2% from the field, 31.7% from three, and 76% from the free-throw line, improving significantly after a slow start.
What's Next
Castleton will continue their home stretch and return to conference action, welcoming Plymouth State on January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
