Box Score | RPI Fanshop

TROY, N.Y. - Junior Tom Horvat scored 25 points and three of his teammates also reached double digits as the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's basketball team began Liberty League play with a 77-66 victory over Clarkson University at East Campus Arena. The Engineers, who shot 52.6% from the field, improve to 4-1, while the Golden Knights drop to 2-3.

Horvat, a guard, made 10 of 18 shots from the field, including 3 of 6 three-pointers, for a game-high. He also had four rebounds, three assists and six steals in 37 minutes. Bard Featherston added 13 points on 4 of 7 shooting with 3 of 6 three-pointers, Asa Barnhill had 12 points on 5 of 7 from the field and freshman Patrick Mahoney scored 11 points, making 5 of 8 shots. Featherston chipped in with four assists, Barnhill had four rebounds and Mahoney pulled down five boards.

Clarkson also had four players reached double-figures, led by Malaquias Canery, who scored 20 points with three assists and two steals. Matt Higgins scored 18 points and Liam Ellis and Matthew Hornak both scored 10. Ellis also registered five rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Golden Knights, who made 50% (24 of 48) of its shots, including 14 of 28 from behind the arc.

RPI held a 38-28 lead at halftime behind 11 points from Horvat, but Clarkson battled back to take the lead, 46-45, with just over 13 minutes remaining. A pair of Barnhill baskets put Rensselaer ahead by two points, 50-48, 90 seconds later and Mahoney made it a six-point margin, 54-48, with consecutive hoops of his own. Horvat scored the next five points for a 58-48 lead and RPI held the Golden Knights off behind clutch shooting from long range. 

Both teams return to the court on Saturday with Liberty League contests. RPI hosts St. Lawrence University and Clarkson visits Skidmore College. Both games begin at 4pm.