MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Southern Vermont men's basketball went up against a strong Middlebury College team Tuesday night, falling 96-60 in the Panthers' home-opener.

                The Mountaineers drop to 0-4 on the season, while Middlebury remains undefeated at 5-0.

                Middlebury shot 55% from the floor, leading the contest the entire way.  The Mountaineers were 18-25 from the line, but the free throws were not enough to overcome the strong first half of the Panthers who led 54-27 at the half.  Southern Vermont was unable to close the deficit in the second half, despite senior captain Taeshon Johnson (Charlotte, N.C.) leading all players with 24 points in the game.

                Panther senior captain Peter Lynch (Westford, Mass.) led Middlebury with 21 points, adding four rebounds and assists on the night.  MC out-rebounded Southern Vermont 46-35, being led off the bench by junior James Jensen (North White Plains, N.Y.) who grabbed seven.  Johnson and sophomore Cory Christensen (Sharon, Conn.) both had seven boards for the Mountaineers.

                Panther junior forward Jack Roberts (Moylan, Pa.) led all players with four blocks on the defensive end for Middlebury, while sophomore captain Jermaine Campbell (Bridgeport, Conn.) added 15 points for the Mountaineers.

                SVC looks to grab the season's first win Friday at 6 p.m. against Mass. College of Liberal Arts at the Tri-State Shootout, hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  Middlebury will try to remain unbeaten with a 3 p.m. tip on Sunday at Johnson & Wales University.

WPTV Burlington Highlight Clip: http://www.wptz.com/news/sports/Middlebury-beats-Southern-Vermont-in-home-opener/-/8870002/17573208/-/7twqgv/-/index.html