Lyndonville, Vt.- The Northern Vermont University-Johnson men's basketball team fell to Northern Vermont University-Lyndon in a men's President's Cup Challenge match up by a score of 105-93 on Wednesday night.
The Badgers had four players score in double figures on the evening. Vernon Slater (Washington, D.C.) scored a career high of 29 points in the last game of his career. Donell Shaw (Washington, D.C) recorded 19 points, while Robert Dubose (Philadelphia, PA) paced the Badgers with 16 points and Winston Jones (Los Angeles, CA) added 15 points. Shaw led the Badgers with nine rebounds.
The Hornets led from the jump as Ricky Shuford connected on the first field goal of the game. The Hornets jumped out to a quick 7-4 run while Jones and Shaw provided the first baskets for the Badgers. Johnson managed to tie things at 7-7, and again at 12-12. CJ Jimmy then found a cutting Zach Falkenburg for a layup to put the Hornets back in front and Johnson was never able to pull even again. The Hornets took a solid 45-38 lead headed into the second half.
Coming out of the break the Badgers came out strong with a jumper from Slater and a defensive stop. Slater tried to be aggressive in the next possession but struggled as a Hornet blocked shot ignited their offensive attack. Ricky Shuford connected on the break for a dunk that kept the lead at seven. Johnson would not go away as Shaw found Robert Dubose inside, the Badgers were within 49-47 with 16:49 to go. Cory Frost connected on a three on Lyndon's next possession to move the lead back to five. The Badgers continued to try and break the deficit but struggled throughout the second half and eventually fell to the Hornets in the Presidents Cup Challenge match up.
With the win the Hornets conclude the 2018-2019 season with an overall record of 4-21 and a 2-12 mark in North Atlantic Conference play. The Badgers conclude their campaign with a 3-21 overall mark and a 2-12 record in conference.