Potsdam, NY - Seniors Brandon Linton (Queens, NY) and Elson Pickering (Brooklyn, NY) each did their part in the second half to help the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team to a come-from-behind 66-61 victory over Potsdam State Tuesday night at Maxcy Hall.

The Golden Knights improved to 12-9 overall and need just one more victory this season to post back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1961-63. Potsdam fell to 3-17, dropping a decision to Clarkson for the second time this year.

Both teams came out with a strong shooting performance in the first half, but the teams were taking their time on offense, resulting in a low scoring opening 20 minutes. With the score tied 18-18 with seven minutes remaining, Potsdam ended the half with a 14-6 run, holding the Knights to 2-for-7 shooting and three turnovers over that span.

The second half was a different story for Clarkson, as has been the case for many games this year (the Knights have outscored their opponents by 57 points in the second half this season). The Knights shot a blistering 60.9% (14-for-23) from the field, including 11-for-14 from inside the 3-point arc. More impressively, Clarkson held on when it needed to, burying free throws down the stretch and finishing the game 13-for-14 from the line.

Senior Brandon Linton scored a game-high 18 points, shooting 7-for-13 from the field, to lead the Knights. Sophomore Felix Llanos (Queens, NY) added in 11 points and Elson Pickering contributed 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks for Clarkson. Pickering's third block of the contest gave him sole possession of the all-time record at Clarkson for career blocks, as he denied the 130th shot of his career. The previous record was set by former teammate Ross Vitallo '06.

Potsdam had four players in double-figures, led by Anthony Williams with 14 points. Olando Minott and Ben Walker each scored 13 points and Curtis Pierce had 11 points and 6 rebounds.