JOHNSON, VT – Host Middlebury beat visiting Johnson, 80-70, in Wednesday night's non-conference game. The Johnson Badgers kept the Middlebury Panthers within reach for the entirety of the opening half, seeking its second straight win. After trailing 16-8, Johnson's 15-8 run brought them within one (23-24), with points contributed by five Badgers. After pairs of baskets, the Badgers took their first lead since the opening minute on a two pointer by Mohammed Semega with 5:34 before halftime, to lead 31-30. Middlebury responded with a run of their own, going 15-3 to extend their lead to its largest point in the half (45-34). Johnson closed out the half scoring the final five points from Maleek View, with a jumper and a trio of free throws, to bring the halftime score to 39-45.

The Badgers chipped away in the opening minutes of the second half, coming within two points with 9:13 remaining in the game. This would be the closest Johnson came for the remainder of the game, as Middlebury responded with a 10-0 burst to widen a gap that was held to the buzzer. The Panthers took the game with a final score of 80-70.

Notable highlights include three Badgers scoring double-digits with Raymond Baka contributing a game-high 23, Maleek View scoring 16, and Mohammed Semega adding 14 of his own. David Greer continues his dominance in the paint with 12 rebounds on the night.

VTSU Johnson returns to conference action on Friday, January 19 as the Badgers take on host Morrisville St. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 pm.