Box Score Potsdam, NY – Clarkson University made its free throws down the stretch to hold off Skidmore College, 69-63 in Liberty League men's basketball action Tuesday at Alumni Gym.

The Golden Knights moves to 16-7 overall and 8-6 in the Liberty League, while Skidmore falls to 14-9 overall and 8-6 in conference games. The win for Clarkson creates a three-way tie with Skidmore and Rensselaer, and each of the teams controls its own destiny coming into the final weekend with the three teams vying for the final two playoff spots. St. Lawrence is still in the playoff mix as well, but the Saints need help from the teams above them to get in.

Skidmore and Clarkson traded baskets in the early going, but the Thoroughbreds were able to claim a five-point lead after Connor Merrill converted at the 10:31 mark (18-13). However, Clarkson scored eight points in less than a minute to give the Knights an advantage. Clarkson would hold on to the lead for the remainder of the first half, taking an eight-point lead into the locker room.

After five minutes in the second half, little had changed in the margin (seven points), but Skimdore went on an 8-0 run to take a one-point lead with just over 12 minutes to go and increased that edge to five points with less than nine minutes remaining. Again, Clarkson responded with some quick scoring on an 8-0 run of its own to take a three-point lead at the 5:36 mark. Up by six late, Skidmore used a full-court press on inbound plays and forced some turnovers for quick shots on the offensive end, and the Thoroughbreds were able to cut the lead down to a basket. Marques Charlton swished a pair of free throws to create a two-possession game, however, and Clarkson held on for a six-point victory.

For Skidmore, Aldin Medunjanin had an outstanding game with 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, shooting 7-for-14 from the field while classmate Tanner Brooks contributed 14 points. Merrill also had nine points for the Thoroughbreds.
Clarkson got 28 points off the bench, including 17 in the first half, thanks to Felix Abongo scoring 14 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field and a 5-for-6 performance from the free throw line. John Coleman made his last five attempts and finished with a game-high 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
Skidmore will host Vassar on Friday at 8, before closing out the regular season at RPI on Saturday.