SAINTS WIN FOURTH IN A ROW;

DEFEAT SKIDMORE, 75-39

Jan. 18: The St. Lawrence University men’s basketball team showed the Liberty League what they’re capable of in their first conference game of the season against Skidmore College Friday night, as the Saints came away with a decisive 75-39 victory over the Thoroughbreds in Burkman Gymnasium.

 

It only took a 9-0 run in the first three minutes of the game to give the Saints what they needed to take control of the court. Their strong offensive capabilities coupled with their defensive pressure helped keep the Thoroughbreds to 21 points in the first 20 minutes of the game and only 18 in the last half.

 

St. Lawrence was 52-percent from the field and 53-percent from beyond the arc while making 15-of-20 free throws. Skidmore was unable to solve the Saints’ defensive strategies and only shot 30-percent from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range. The home team used their depth to their advantage, as they scored 36 points from off the bench.

Sophomore guard Andy Hoercher ( Auburn, NY/Hotchkiss) led the home team’s offense with 13 points while shooting 5-for-9 from the field and achieving perfection from three-point range, sinking all three of his shots. Sophomore Kevin Himmelwright (Ballston Hills, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) contributed 12 points, a career-high for the forward, who was 4-for-7 from the court and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. Himmelwright was 2-for-2 from the line and also tallied three rebounds and one assist.

 

Junior forward Bela Vonnak ( Canajoharie, NY/Canajoharie) also accumulated double-digits in points, while also tallying six rebounds in only 13 minutes of play. Classmate Ben Augliano ( Clayton, NY/ Thousand Islands) had a game high eight rebounds, while sophomore Josh Sharlow (Norwood, NY/Norwood-Norfolk) had a game-high four assists and three steals. Junior forward and co-captain Richard Williams ( Kingston, NY/ Kingston) also had three steals and nine points.

 

The Saints, now 6-6 overall and 1-0 in the conference, will look to keep their Liberty League record perfect on Saturday as they will host the Union Dutchmen in Burkman Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00pm.