CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team came up short against Little East Conference opponent UMass Boston, 100-85, on Wednesday night at Glenbrook Gymnasium.

The Basics
Final Score: UMass Boston 100, VTSU Castleton 85
Location: Glenbrook Gymnasium – Castleton, Vt.
Records: UMass Boston 15-8, 11-3 LEC | VTSU Castleton 6-16, 1-12 LEC

How It Happened
Castleton opened the game with a quick 5-0 run, highlighted by a midrange jumper from Ben Seiler and a three-pointer from Ethan Lussier. UMass Boston responded with a run of its own to take the lead and force the Spartans into a timeout. Out of the break, Will Radcliff knocked down a three to trim the deficit, and Castleton worked to stay within reach for the remainder of the half.
 
A three-pointer from Zach Thompson briefly pulled the Spartans within five and prompted a UMass Boston timeout. Castleton continued to find success from beyond the arc, including additional three pointers from Thompson and Jackson Doyle. However, turnovers and an early scoring drought allowed the Beacons to extend their lead, 46-33 at halftime.  

UMass Boston started the second half with back-to-back baskets to push the lead to 51-33. Castleton answered with a three pointer from Doyle and began to build momentum behind Radcliff, who threw down two transition dunks to spark a run. Midway through the half, Joe Buxton's three-pointer cut the lead to 60-56 and forced another UMass Boston timeout. The Spartans remained within 10 for much of the half, keeping the pressure on as both teams continued to shoot efficiently.  

Both teams shot over 54 percent from the field and better than 46 percent from three, but UMass Boston's 65.4 percent showing at the free-throw line, compared to Castleton's 50 percent, proved decisive. As Castleton was forced to foul late, the Beacons converted several and-one opportunities to pull away and secure a 100-85 victory.

By the Numbers

• Radcliff led the team with 24 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, one block and four steals.
• Doyle recorded a career-high 19 points on a perfect night, shooting 6-for-6 from the field, 5-for-5 from three, and 2-for-2 from the free throw line, along with two rebounds and one assist.
• Seiler chipped in 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.

What's Next
The Spartans will close out their home schedule on Saturday as it hosts Eastern Connecticut for a 3 p.m. matchup on Senior Day.