The Clarkson University Men’s Basketball team’s bid to earn a sweep of St. Lawrence University in Liberty League play came up seconds short as the Saints pulled out a 69-67 overtime victory at Burkman Gymnasium in Canton on Tuesday night.
The Golden Knights, who defeated St. Lawrence 65-60 on January 25 at Alumni Gym, led the Saints by 10 points (52-42) with 3:45 left in regulation in the second game of their league series, but SLU was able to battle back and forced the extra session with a three-point basket in the closing seconds of regulation.
Clarkson took the initial lead in overtime on free throws by junior Russ Vitallo (Dracut, MA) and a short jump shot by freshman Kevin Bolduc (Auburn, NH) to hold a 65-64 advantage with 3:20 remaining. St. Lawrence, however jumped on top 67-65, but two free throws by senior Matt Decker (Whitney Point, NY) tied the contest 67-67 with 50 seconds left.
St. Lawrence pulled out the victory, connecting on a lay up with 1.9 seconds to play.
Vitallo finished the night with a game-high 28 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists. Decker chipped in 10 points.
Clarkson, which saw its win streak snapped at two games, falls to 7-14 overall and to 3-7 in the Liberty League. The Knights play at Hobart College on Friday, at 8:00 p.m.
