SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—The Skidmore College men's basketball team never trailed in a 66-61 Liberty League win over Clarkson University, Tuesday night at the Williamson Center.
 
The Thoroughbreds move to 9-6 overall and 4-3 in the Liberty League. The Golden Knights fall to 7-10 and 4-4.
 
Freshman Edvinas Rupkus had a game-high 26 points, 17 in the first half, to lead the Thoroughbreds. He added eight rebounds, a block, and three steals.  Freshman Chas Ta chipped in 10 points and four assists.
 
Derek Hart led the Golden Knights with 15 points. Felix Abongo scored 11 to go along with 10 boards and three assists. Conrad Zampier hit for 11 points.
 
Skidmore used a 14-4 first-half run to open a 31-17 lead with 3:59 to play.  Rupkus scored eight of the points in the run, while Marcus Jackson entered the game and scored four points and had a blocked shot.   Clarkson was able to cut it to 11, 35-24 by the break.
 
The Golden Knights hung around in the second half, getting to within one twice, but never able to take the lead.
 
Clarkson's last chance came when Hart scored on a lay-up with 2:18 to play to get the Golden Knights to within two, 61-59. Skidmore clamped down and only allowed a late uncontested field goal, while adding three free throws by Royce Paris and a basket by Ta for the 66-61 final.
 
Clarkson was 20-34 from the free throw line, while the Thoroughbreds hit 10 of their 13 attempts from the line.
 
Skidmore is home again Friday night at 8 p.m. against Clarkson.
 
Coach Burke:
I don't think this game was an instant classic but I am happy with the win. Clarkson really moves offensively so if you don't match their energy they are capable of finding a rhythm. We made a couple runs keyed by our defense and allowed some of our play makers to make some big plays at the end. 
 
 In this league you have to protect your home court and find a way to steal a few on the road. I thought we hung tough tonight especially when things were not going well. We now have to prepare for a very good Union team on Friday night.