JOHNSON, Vt.-The Northern Vermont University-Johnson men's basketball team fell to Plymouth State University on Tuesday evening by a score of 88-69.
The Badgers were led by sophomore Robert Dubose (Philadelphia, PA). Dubose led the Badgers with a game high 26 points and was impressive from the field going 11-18 on the game. Haji Haji (Burlington, Vt.) chipped in 13 points, while Donell Shaw (Washington, DC) contributed 13 points and seven rebounds of his own.
The Badgers came out aggressive to start the game as Winston Jones (Los Angeles, CA) scored a layup in the Badgers first possession of the evening followed by two free throws from Haji to open up a quick 4-0 lead. The Panthers and Badgers traded baskets within the beginning minutes of the first half with the Badgers holding a 17-16 lead half way through the half. With consecutive stops and two three-point field goal makes by Jaylen Leroy the Panthers opened up a run of their own, they continued to be aggressive on both ends of the court ending the half with a 42-34 lead.
In the start of the second half the Badgers broke into the deficit as Shaw and Dubose connected on back to back layups. As the Panthers connected on a three the next possession they regained confidence and began to control the second half. The Panthers were led by Dante Rivera with 20 points on 50% shooting for the game. The Panthers had four other players in double figures as Mike Osgood had 16 points off the bench and Leroy contributed 15 of his own. Manny Alisandro had a game high 12 rebounds while also scoring 13 points and Joe Simpson contributed 11.
With the loss the Badgers fall to 0-15 and the Plymouth State University Panthers improve to 9-7 on the season.
The Badgers will face Northern Vermont University-Lyndon this Saturday, January 19 at 1:00pm.