TROY, N.Y. – Senior forward Sam Simmons (Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy) recorded his second straight double-double, with 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute men's basketball team to a 69-63 victory over Skidmore College, this afternoon at Robison Gym.
With the win, the Red Hawks improve to 12-10 overall and 6-5 in the Liberty League. The Thoroughbreds fall to 7-16 and 2-10 in the conference.
Simmons scored 17 of game-high 24 points in the second half to help turn around a two-point (25-23) deficit at the break. Skidmore used a balanced attack in the opening 20 minutes as eight players scored at least two points. Sophomore Jon Douglas (Shutesbury, MA/Amherst Regional) had a team-best five first half points to go along with two rebounds.
After the Thoroughbreds opened up an eight-point lead, less than two minutes in the second half, the Red Hawks cut it to two on baskets by juniors Tim Rupp (Staten Island, NY/Curtis) and Rick Philatre (Randolph, MA/Randolph) and Simmons to close within two. Skidmore maintained a slight edge until midway through the half.
Down a pair (44-42) with 10:17 left in the game, RPI went on an 9-0 run to take a 51-44 lead. The Red Hawks never trailed the rest of the way, thanks to solid free throw shooting down the stretch. The home side shot 80% (12-15) from the stripe in the second half.
The Thoroughbreds were led by senior Jake Schechtman (Wynnewood, PA/The Shipley School) who had 16 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Jeff Altimar (Medfield, MA/Medfield) had 12 points and six boards, while Douglas ended up with 10 points.
Skidmore returns to action Friday when they host Hamilton for an 8 p.m. start.
