BENNINGTON, Vt. - Southern Vermont College defeated Lesley University 78-61 on Thursday evening to complete the two-game season sweep of the Lynx and improve their record to 6-13 (3-5 NECC).  Lesley drops to 4-15 (1-7 NECC) with the loss. 

Jonathan Cruz (Haverhill, Mass.) scored 21 points and tallied seven assists for the Lynx in the loss.  The sophomore guard hit 7-of-11 shots from the floor and was also effective from the free throw line, making 7-of-9 attempts.

The Mountaineers had four double-digit scorers in the triumph.  Joe Karnik (Castleton, N.Y.) led the Southern Vermont offensive with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field.  Brendan Kordana (Adams, Mass.), Ben Naaktgboren (Cambridge, N.Y.) and Brett Clatworthy (Argyle, N.Y.) each contributed with 17, 14, and 12 points, respectively.

Jaret Falkowitz (Scotia, N.Y.) captained the Mountaineer offense with six points, four assists, and three steals.

The Lynx started off hot, taking a 14-2 lead in the first seven minutes of the game.  Southern Vermont reeled off 11 straight points to get back in the game and soon took the lead to have a 38-29 advantage going into halftime. 

The Lynx were able to pull within six points with 8:15 remaining after a made three-pointer by Matt Grassa (Everett, Mass.), but that is the closest they would get as the Mountaineers walked away with a victory.

Lesley will host Becker College on Saturday, February 7 at 4:00 pm.  Southern Vermont hosts Newbury College on the same day at 2:00 pm.

To learn more about the Lesley University men's basketball team, please visit their website.

Contact:          Rob Palardy
                        Sports Information Director
                        Lesley University
                        617.349.8627 (office)
                        617.349.8640 (fax)
                        rpalardy@lesley.edu