WILLIAMSTOWN, MA.- After an 87-58 loss Friday evening to Williams College the Southern Vermont College Men's basketball team played Potsdam St. in the consolation game of the Williams Tip-Off Tournament, Saturday. The SUNY Potsdam Bears won the consolation game of the tournament 80-66 behind a strong second half effort.

In the first half the two teams remained close. Trailing by five on the final possession of the half junior guard Taeshon Johnson (Charlotte, NC) pulled up and drilled a 15 foot jump shot to narrow the Potsdam lead to 34-31 at the break.

In the second half Potsdam quickly opened a nine point lead only three minutes in. From there the two teams traded baskets back and forth as the lead remained between five and nine points, in favor of Potsdam. Then with four minutes remaining Josh Lambert made a layup and was fouled on the play. After the Lambert converted free throw, teammate Zac Adams hit a three point shot to open a 14 point lead.

The Bears used its height to their advantage as they scored 30 of its 46 second half points in the paint. For the game Potsdam scored 50 points in the paint as SVC scored 20. Southern Vermont never led in the game and only tied it once in the early goings.  

Johnson led all scorers with 30 points for the Mountaineers. The captain also led SVC with six rebounds, four defensive and two offensive. Also in double digits for Southern Vermont was freshman point guard Jordan Santiago who scored 10 points to go along with his two assists. Robert McQueen and Brandon Johnson each had nine points.

Curtis Pierce led Potsdam with 22 points. Brad Drysdale and Tony Efese also chipped in with 16 and 13 respectively. Potsdam held an advantage on the boards as the Bears outrebounded SVC 49-20. Drysdale and Pierce each recorded a double-double as they pulled down 12 rebounds apiece.

Southern Vermont drops to 0-2 while Potsdam improves to 2-1. SVC will travel to Skidmore College Tuesday, in a re-match of last year's NCAA record seven over-time affair.