SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The Southern Vermont College men's basketball team was overmatched at Skidmore College Tuesday night at the Williamson Sports Center, dropping a 76-43 decision to Skidmore.

The Thoroughbreds improve to 2-1 heading into the holiday break, while the Mountaineers fall to 0-3.

Skidmore never trailed and broke open the game in the first half with a 14-0 run highlighted by back-to-back threes from Brian Moore and Aldin Medunjanin. Connor Merrill brought the crowd to its feet with back to back dunks including being on the receiving end of an alley-oop from Tanner Brooks as the Thoroughbreds held a 36-21 lead at the half.

In the second half, Skidmore pushed its lead to 47-23 as it opened the half on an 11-2 run capped by Eli Johnston slamming it home on the fast break. Southern Vermont wouldn't get any closer than within 18 points after a Corey Christensen (Sharon, Conn.) free throw with 6:44 remaining. The Thoroughbred reserves played strong down the stretch to push the lead to as many as 34 as Skidmore shot 53.1% in the half and earned the 76-43 win.

Merrill led the way with 19 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks for the Thoroughbreds. Brooks added 10 points, six rebounds and four steals, while Medunjanin had nine points, seven assist and five rebounds. Johnston chipped in with eight points and seven rebounds.

For the Mountaineers, sophomore captain Jermaine Campbell (Bridgeport Conn.) tallied a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds to go along with four steals. Sophomore Tavaris Jenkins (Chicago, Ill.) added 12 points and seven rebounds.

Skidmore held a 46-18 advantage on points in the paint, and the Thoroughbreds' bench outscored Southern Vermont 24-1.

Southern Vermont continues a tough non-conference schedule with a 7 p.m. tip at Middlebury College on November 27, while Skidmore returns to action on Nov. 26 when it hosts Castleton State for a 7 p.m. game.