GREENSBORO, NC – The Skidmore College men's basketball team bounced back with a commanding 83-71 victory over the United States Coast Guard Academy in the Springfield Suites Guilford Holiday Classic consolation game on Tuesday afternoon.

Propelled by a 51-point second half outburst, the Thoroughbreds (5-4) held onto the lead for the final 32 minutes as junior Aidan Roy scored a game-high 22 points, while senior Joey Skoric recorded an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double to defeat the Bears (4-6) and conclude 2025 on a winning note.

After averaging 14.5 points, 3.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds across the two-game tournament, Roy represented Skidmore by being named onto the All-Tournament team. 

"I thought we bounced back pretty well today, especially in the second half. We had chance to stretch our lead and we took advantage of that which was some growth from last night," said head coach Joe Burke. 

"Coast Guard is well coached, and those kids are so darn tough and never quit so they're going to battle you to the end. Our guys stayed strong and held on to get it done. 
 
"I also want to say thank you to all the alumni, parents and friends of the program that help make this trip possible. It's important to me that we continue to take a journey like this every year. It has become a big part of our culture and we could not do it without your support." 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• After trading leads in the opening minutes, the Thoroughbreds made the first push with a 12-2 run that was punctuated by a Nick Padilla jumper to take a 18-11 lead with 11:11 on the clock.
• The Coast Guard tied the game at 21-21 apiece with 8:24 to go, but the momentum ended there as Skidmore quickly re-extended the lead back to seven after Roy scored a quick five alongside a layup from freshman Jacob Gooden to make it 28-21 with 5:24 left in the half.
• With the Thoroughbreds leading 32-28 at halftime, Roy led the Skidmore offense with 13 points, while Gooden tacked on seven points.
• Coming out of the intermission, Skidmore seized control early in the second half, putting together a decisive 17–3 scoring run to build a 56–39 lead with 10:18 remaining.
• The Thoroughbreds maintained a double-digit advantage for much of the half, but the Bears made one final push in the closing minutes, knocking down four three-pointers amidst a quick 15–6 run to cut the deficit to 73–67 with 2:41 left.
• In the closing moments, Skoric delivered in the clutch, scoring Skidmore's final six points to fend off the comeback attempt and cap off a 51 point second-half by the Thoroughbreds that included a red-hot 17-of-29 shooting, and knocking down 13-of-19 free throw attempts. 

STANDOUT THOROUGHBREDS

• Roy scored 22 points to go with four rebounds and three assists
• Skoric tallied 18 points, 13 rebounds with two blocks.
• Gooden scored 15 points.
• Padilla led the bench scoring with nine points in 16 minutes.

UP NEXT
The Thoroughbreds resume Liberty League play next Friday by traveling out to Hobart for a 7:30 PM matchup.