SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Skidmore College men's basketball team took sole possession of the sixth seed in the Liberty League playoff race after fending off Clarkson, 80-74, at the Williamson Sports Center on Friday evening.

A dominant 21-point, 10-rebound and six-block performance from senior Joey Skoric propelled the Thoroughbreds (11-11, 7-8 Liberty League) to a fast start, as Skidmore built an early 11-point lead before entering halftime ahead, 43-36. Skidmore extended its advantage to as many as 15 points multiple times in the second half, which proved just enough to withstand a frantic late push from the Golden Knights (11-11, 6-9 Liberty League) in the closing minutes.

Heading into tomorrow's Big Green Scream and Senior Day, the Thoroughbreds can potentially clinch a Liberty League playoff berth with both a victory plus a Hobart win over Clarkson.

"Proud of the guys. It was a gutsy win and I thought we played with a lot of effort and energy tonight," said head coach Joe Burke.
 
"We don't talk about individual performances much, but I'm super happy for Joey Skoric. Kid has been through a lot and he played his tail off tonight. For him to do it on senior weekend is just awesome for him and his family. We are excited about the momentum and the fact that we are finding ways to win, even while being shorthanded. Tomorrow's Big Green Scream and Senior Day should be a great environment and will be another tough challenge."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Skidmore jumped out to a 23-16 lead at the 11:57 mark of the first half, fueled by an early nine points from Skoric and eight from junior Nick Padilla on a pair of three-pointers. Fellow junior Charlie Fantom set the tone by scoring the game's first five points for the Thoroughbreds.  
• The Thoroughbreds pushed the lead to as many as 11, 32-21, following a Charlie Weisberg three-pointer and a Hakeem Daphnis layup with 8:36 remaining, before making timely offensive plays down the stretch to fend off multiple Clarkson comeback attempts, as the lead never dipped below five.
• Leading 43-36 at halftime, Skidmore held the Golden Knights to 13-of-33 shooting from the field. Skoric led all scorers with 14 points on a perfect 6-of-6 effort, while Padilla added 10 and junior Aidan Roy orchestrated the offense with six first-half assists.
• Coming out of the break, the Thoroughbreds seized control with an 18-10 run, highlighted by 11 combined points from Padilla and Skoric, extending the lead to 61-46 with 10:03 remaining.
• After Clarkson trimmed the margin to single digits, Skidmore responded with a 10-4 spurt capped by a Daphnis three-pointer to reclaim a 15-point advantage, 71-56, with 5:24 left.
• The game was far from over, however, as Clarkson mounted a 15-4 run to close within 75-71 with 31 seconds remaining, capitalizing on three late Skidmore turnovers on inbounds.
• Staying composed, Skidmore sealed the victory by knocking down four clutch free throws over its next two possessions, extending the lead to 79-71 and holding on for the pivotal home win.

STANDOUT THOROUGHBREDS

• Skoric finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks.
• Padilla scored 17 points with five rebounds and five blocks.
• Roy recorded 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
• Fantom scored 12 points with eight rebounds.
• Daphnis recorded eighth points with four rebounds off the bench.

UP NEXT
The Thoroughbreds will host St. Lawrence in the annual Big Green Scream game tomorrow at 4 PM. The game will also serve as Senior Day for the class of 2026.