SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Behind a standout 20-point second half from junior captain Aidan Roy, the Skidmore College men's basketball team erased a double-digit halftime deficit to earn a 67–60 comeback victory over RPI at the Williamson Sports Center on Friday evening.

The Thoroughbreds (8-9, 4-6 Liberty League) came out of the break firing, scoring 41 second-half points and knocking down four three-pointers in the opening minutes to quickly erase a 10-point halftime lead built by the Engineers (13-5, 9-2 Liberty League), before pulling away in the closing moments. Skidmore connected on seven three-pointers in the second half, while limiting the visitors to 6-of-31 shooting overall and just 2-of-18 from beyond the arc in a complete team effort.

"We had another very good second half response tonight. Fortunately, after the first half, the game was still within reach. We came out of the locker-room and took the momentum and got the pace of the game where we needed it," said head coach Joe Burke.

"These guys continue to work. We know we have not played our best basketball yet, but we have showed plenty of signs of what we can be. Consistency will be key down the stretch. The challenge is to run it back tomorrow with the same effort and execution against another good team."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Thoroughbreds stayed competitive throughout a back-and-forth opening stretch, facing a narrow 22–21 deficit at the 6:44 mark after a start that featured four lead changes and four ties, with Gooden pacing Skidmore with eight early points.
• RPI closed out the half strong, putting together a 14-5 run in the closing minutes to lead by double digits, 36-26, entering intermission.
• Freshman Jacob Gooden led the halftime scoring effort with 11 points, but the team as a whole shot just 10-of-32 from the field while being outrebounded 22-to-17.  
• The Thoroughbreds came out firing in the second half, hitting four quick three-pointers to mount a 16-5 run and completely erase the halftime deficit by taking a one-point lead, 42-41 at the 13:49 mark.
• After the teams traded baskets on the ensuing possessions, Skidmore used a quick 8–1 run to take a 54–47 lead at the 8:14 mark, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from juniors Hakeem Daphnis and Roy.
• When the Engineers trimmed the deficit to one possession, Roy responded with another three-pointer to spark a pivotal 10–2 Skidmore run, giving the Thoroughbreds an 11-point cushion at 64–53 in the final minute and securing the victory.

STANDOUT THOROUGHBREDS

• Roy scored 20 points to go with a team-high five assists and six rebounds.
• Gooden led the team with 21 points to go with four assists.
• Junior Jack LaGarde recorded a team-high seven rebounds to go with four steals and two blocks.

UP NEXT
The Thoroughbreds will conclude the home stand with a Stable Game matchup tomorrow against Hobart. Tip-off is set for 4 PM.