CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team was unable to hang on to an early lead, falling to Plymouth State, 83-75, in conference play on Thursday evening. 

The Basics

Final Score: Plymouth State 83, VTSU Castleton 75

Location: Glenbrook Gymnasium – Castleton, Vt.

Records: Plymouth State 6-7, 2-2 LEC | 5-8, 0-4 LEC

How It Happened

The Spartans opened the game with energy, racing out to a 9-0 run to seize early momentum. Plymouth State was able to find a few baskets to trim the deficit, but Castleton's sharp shooting in the opening half proved to be the difference, as the Spartans shot 51.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. 

Castleton continued to build its lead behind strong ball movement, with Adam Bilodeau and Elijah Maldonado helping facilitate the offense and setting up several Spartan buckets. Castleton carried its momentum into halftime, holding a 10-point lead at the half. 

The Spartans kept the Panthers contained through much of the early second half, maintaining a steady 10-point lead. As the half wore on, a few turnovers allowed Plymouth to capitalize, gradually cutting into the Spartans' lead. At the 9:58 mark, a Plymouth three-pointer tied the game, swinging momentum and prompting a Castleton timeout. 

Teams traded baskets for a while before the Spartans ran into some foul trouble, sending the Panthers to the line and allowing them to extend their slim lead. With around 22 seconds remaining, Zach Thompson drained a three-pointer, and the Spartans fouled in an effort to stay in the game. Will Radcliff added a layup in the final 10 seconds, but it wasn't enough as Plymouth pulled away for an 83-75 victory. 

The Panthers' shooting surged in the second half, going from 34.62 percent from the field in the first half to 70.37 percent in the second, and from 30.77 percent from three-point range to 50 percent. The Spartans shot 48.39 percent from the field and 46.67 percent from three in the second half. 

By the Numbers

• Radcliff led the Spartans with a double-double, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. 
• Thompson added 12 points, along with one rebound and one steal. 
• Maldonado and Bilodeau each contributed four assists, with Maldonado adding eight points, two rebounds, and two steals, and Bilodeau adding five points and three rebounds. 

What's Next

Castleton will host a conference matchup against University of Southern Maine on Saturday, January 10 with tipoff set for 2 p.m.