MEN'S BASKETBALL SURVIVE BACK TO BACK STRETCH

Randolph Center, VT: The Vermont State University- Randolph men's basketball team knew they had a tough back to back ahead of them this week. With their rival from Concord, NH coming into town, followed up by a trip to New York to avenge an early season lost, the Knights had their work cut out for them. The Knights were able to show why they are considered a real contender by grinding out a win versus NHTI 82-80 and going on the road to defeat the Huskies of Word of Life 75-66.

On Tuesday, the Knights honored their seniors before the game. The Lynx of NHTI came out ready to spoil the night for VTSU-Randolph as they started out with hot shooting and built a 15 point lead on the Knights. The Lynx carried a 40-28 lead into the half. The Knights came out on fire, going on a 15-2 run to take a 1 point lead with 15:32 into the game. From there it was a back and forth game, that saw 8 lead changes. The Lynx had a 5 point lead with 39 seconds in regulation, but a 3 pointer by Shandon Danne Anderson and a steal and layup in 10 seconds tied the ball game and the Knights were able to force overtime. In overtime the Knights found themselves down 80-77 with 34 seconds, but another clutch three by Shandon Danne Anderson tied the ball game at 80. The Knights were able to get a stop and posess the ball with 8 seconds. That left the door open for Jaylon Calvin to dribble the length of the court and hit the game winning shot to win the game for the Knights 82-80. Calvin recorded another triple double with 14 points, 12 assist and 11 rebounds. Tyler Allen had a monster night with 25 points and Shandon Danne Anderson had career night with 24 points including timely threes. 

Wednesday, the Knights traveled to Pottersville, NY to take on Word of Life. The Huskies, beat the Knights earlier in the season with Calvin sidelined. Calvin and Allen combined for 51 points to make sure the VTSU- Randolph came home with a win.

The Knights will travel to Auburn, ME to face Washington County this Friday for a 4pm tipoff.