TROY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's basketball team shot 62.5 percent from the field in the second half and over 50 percent overall over 40 minutes of play as the Engineers defeated Vassar College by a final score of 73-54. With the win, RPI improves to 6-7 overall and 3-3 in the league, while Vassar falls to 5-9 and 3-4 overall in the Liberty League.

The Engineers used a key run in the first half to jump out to the lead that they kept through to the end. With the game tied 13-all with 12:54 on the clock in the first half, RPI turned up the defense and ran off a 17-0 run over the next six-plus minutes to build a 30-13 lead with 6:13 to play. A layup from Avery Eugster layup capped the run before Vassar broke with up with a pair of free throws from Avery Lee. The Engineers held a 37-22 lead at the midway point.

Eugster started the strong offensive second half with a three-points - his one of two on the day - before a Pat White jumper gave RPI a 20-point lead with 10:42 to play. Despite a solid offensive output by the Brewers in the second half, the Engineers stayed one step ahead as they continued to keep a double-digit lead throughout the second half for the win.

Backing up Angbazo's effort was Eugster, who finished one rebound shy of a double-double with a 19-point, nine rebound night. Dylan Matchett was the next in line in points with seven but led the team in assists with six. Overall, RPI totaled eight three-pointers. The Engineers also out-rebounded Vassar 41-27 on the game as well.

Leading the way for Vassar was Luke Adams with an 11-point effort, while Lee finished with 10 as the only Brewers in double-digits. 

RPI returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 4 p.m. when they take on Bard at ECAV Arena.