KEENE, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team fell to conference opponent Keene State despite a strong effort on Tuesday night, 79-61. 

The Basics
Final Score: Keene State 79, VTSU Castleton 61
Location: Spaulding Gym – Keene, N.H.
Records: Keene State 10-9, 6-4 LEC | VTSU Castleton 5-14, 0-10 LEC

How It Happened
Keene State opened the game on a 10-0 run before Castleton got on the board with a post move from Will Radcliff. Joe Buxton followed with a layup and a pair of free throws to help the Spartans settle in after the early deficit, staying within striking distance for much of the opening half. 

As the half progressed, the Owls maintained their lead, but Castleton continued to chip away, capitalizing on Keene State miscues. Zach Thompson found Connor McKearin for a three-pointer to pull the Spartans within four, and Elijah Maldonado fueled the team's offense, scoring multiple baskets to keep Castleton close. Buxton capped the half with a fadeaway jumper in the final minutes as Castleton went into halftime trailing 31-27.  

Keene State opened the second half with a 9-3 run to reestablish momentum, as Buxton accounted for Castleton's early points with a three-pointer while the Owls extended the lead to 11. Despite the quick start by Keene State, the Spartans continued to battle, putting together a 5-0 run just after the midway point of the half to cut the deficit to 10. The Owls continued to stretch the lead, and Castleton was unable to keep pace as Keene State pulled away for the 79-61 win. 

By the Numbers

• Maldonado led the Spartans with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. 
• Buxton contributed 14 points and one rebound. 
• Radcliff scored 11 points, adding three assists, one steal, and seven rebounds while reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points. 

What's Next
The Spartans will return home to host LEC opponent Rhode Island College on January 31 at 3 p.m.