JOHNSON, Vt. – The Johnson State College men's basketball team defeated Castleton University 82-70 in their North Atlantic Conference (NAC) opener on Tuesday evening at Carter Gym.
The Badgers move to 2-2 on the season while the Spartans fall to 2-4.
1st HALF
The Spartans took an early advantage, starting the game on a 14-6 run over the first three minutes. Castleton stretched their lead to 25-13 by the 12:42 mark on a Pavin Parrish three-pointer. The Badgers fought back through the second part of the half, pulling the Spartan lead down to 44-41 but halftime.
Marqwon Wynn (Wilmington, Del.) led all scorers in the half with 18 points and three assists. Demetrius Slade (Washington, D.C) added eight points and six steals for the Badgers.
2nd HALF
The teams traded the lead through the first ten minutes of the second half. The Badgers would take the lead for good at the 10:04 mark when Jeyquan Johnson (Harlem, N.Y.) hit a layup to give Johnson the 64-63 lead. The Badgers ended the game on a 16-7 run to take the 82-70 victory.
Johnson paced the Badgers with 14 points in the second half, while Slade added 10 more.
JOHNSON LEADERS
Points: Wynn – 22
Rebounds: Slade - 6
Assists: Wynn - 8
CASTLETON LEADERS
Points: Mushandu – 18
Rebounds: Mushandu – 13
Assists: Parrish – 4
STATS BREAKDOWN
Field Goal %: Castleton 39.2% | Johnson 49.2%
Rebounds: Castleton 43 | Johnson 31
Assists: Castleton 13 | Johnson 14
Turnovers: Castleton 21 | Johnson 19
Points off Turnovers: Castleton 24 | Johnson 17
Bench Points: Castleton 27 | Johnson 13
NEXT UP:
Johnson travel to UMaine-Farmington for a NAC game on Friday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.