Randolph Center, VT - A scoreless drought of over eight minutes put the Vermont State University Lyndon men's basketball team in a 26-point hole late in the first half of Saturday's opening game of the annual Vermont State University Tip-Off Classic, hosted by Randolph for the first time this year.  The Hornets nearly came all the way back, closing to within two points with 1:24 to go.  Lyndon was unable to get over the hump, however, as Randolph escaped with an 82-76 vistory to advance to the Classic's championship game at 3:00 pm on Sunday.  The Knights will face Framingham State University, a 96-94 overtime winner over Vermont State University Johnson in Saturday's nightcap.  Lyndon will tip off against Johnson in a 1:00 pm consolation game.

Xzavier Ivey led a balanced Randolph attack with 15 points.  Jaden Clark added 13 points, and Mohamed Conde posted a double double with 12 points and ten rebounds.  Jaylon Calvin also reached double figures with ten points and dished out seven assists.

Gregory Gonyea Jr. (Dolgeville, NY) scored a game high 23 points to lead Lyndon.  Gonyea also dished out a team high five assists.  Frehsman guards Christian Hathorn (Wilder, VT) and Victor Kukta Reyes (Fitchburg, MA) also reached double figures with 13 and 12 points respectively.  Matt Doyle (Whitesboro, NY) pulled down ten rebounds for the Hornets.

The game was Lyndon's season opener.  Randolph improved to 1-3 on the season.