Box Score | RPI Athletics on Instagram

TROY, N.Y. - Derek Hart made 10 of 15 shots and finished with a game-high 23 points, along with a game-best 10 rebounds, to lead the Clarkson University men's basketball team to a 69-63 win over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in a Liberty League matchup at East Campus Arena. The Golden Knights, who shot 51.9 percent in the game, are now 4-7 and 1-1. The Engineers fall to 7-4 and 1-1.

Hart (Poughkeepsie, NY / FDR) scored 10 of his points in the first half when he made 5 of 6 from the floor and his teammates followed suit, hitting 15 of 25 shots for 60 percent. The Golden Knights made 5 of 7 from three-point range and led 37-25 at the break. Junior Drew Zlogar (Clifton Park, NY / Shenendehowa) had nine first half points, all on three-point baskets. Freshman Tom Horvat (Cranston, RI / Providence Country Day) was RPI's top scorer, registering nine points on 4 of 7 shooting. The Engineers made 39.3 percent (11 of 28) of their first half shots. 

Horvat opened the second half with a layup to cut the deficit to 10 points (37-27) but Hart made a basket and two free throws and freshman Malaquias Canery (Lawrence, MA / Clinton) scored on a jumper for a 14-point lead (41-27) just 50 seconds into the half. The Golden Knights made it a 17-point lead just over two minutes later but Horvat hit back-to-back three-pointers to bring the home team to within 11 points (46-35). A Tyler Gendron (Merrimack, NH / Merrimack) free throw cut it a point lower, but Clarkson scored the next six points, including a dunk by Hart off a Liam Ellis (Turners Falls, MA / Turners Falls) stea;, for a 52-36 lead with 13:37 to play. 

RPI got to within nine points four times thereafter but could not get closer until 18 seconds remained in the contest.

Zlogar finished with 15 points, while Conrad Zampier (East Greenbush, NY / Columbia) had 12 points and nine rebounds. Felix Abongo (Beacon, NY / Iona Prep) scored 10 points with five rebounds for the Golden Knights, who made 27 of 52 shots, including 7 of 15 three-pointers.

Horvat led the Engineers with 22 points, along with two rebounds, an assist and four steals. Junior Jonathan Luster (Essex, CT / Valley Regional) added 16 points, connecting on 7 of 10 shots, with six rebounds, two assists and a steal. 

RPI plays at Union College on Friday (8pm) before hosting Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) on Saturday (4pm). Clarkson hosts Bard College on Tuesday at 8pm.