Lyndonville, VT – Vermont State University Lyndon captured its first Vermont State University Tip-Off Classic championship Saturday afternoon, holding off Vermont State University Randolph, 108-99, at George W. Stannard Gymnasium. The victory gives the Hornets a 2-0 start, their first since the program rejoined NCAA Division III competition in 2008.
Randolph struck first, scoring the game's opening four points and taking an early 6-2 lead. Lyndon responded behind Tyler Bergmans (Ferrisburgh, VT), who scored inside and connected from three-point range, while Dylan Hosford (Richfield Springs, NY) added a three-pointer to put the Hornets in front, 7-6. The teams were tied at 10 before Lyndon began to create separation with contributions from across the lineup.
Xavier Rainwater (Rosharon, TX) hit a pair of three-pointers, Owen Traynor (Rutland, VT) added a three, and Ty Bates (Hartwell, GA) provided a spark off the bench. Lyndon built its advantage to double digits and carried a 55-42 lead into halftime, with Jacob McPhail's (Brooksville, FL) three-pointer in the closing seconds providing the final points of the half.
The Hornets opened the second half by extending their lead to 15, but Randolph mounted a sustained comeback behind Anthony Henson, who repeatedly attacked the basket and got to the free-throw line. The Knights cut the deficit to eight points at 68-60 with just over 14 minutes remaining, then continued to pressure Lyndon. Randolph eventually pulled within two, 79-81, with 7:14 left after a basket and free throw by Melvin Harris Jr.
Lyndon answered at the critical moment. Bergmans scored inside to restore a four-point cushion, then added another basket to make it 85-79. After Randolph moved within four, Javen Reid (Wheeling, IL) knocked down a three-pointer with 5:45 remaining, and Andrew Joncas (Danville, VT) followed with a fast-break three to push the lead to 91-81. Reid added two more baskets, and Lyndon converted key free throws down the stretch to secure the nine-point victory. Randolph outscored the Hornets 57-53 in the second half, but could not overcome Lyndon's first-half advantage.
Bergmans led Lyndon with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, adding four rebounds and four assists. Bates and McPhail each contributed 13 points off the bench. McPhail was especially efficient, making five of six field-goal attempts, including three of four from beyond the arc. Reid and Rainwater each finished with 12 points. Reid also grabbed seven rebounds and recorded three steals, while Rainwater shot 5-for-7 from the floor. Isaiah Allison added eight points, five rebounds and a game-high seven assists.
Randolph was led by Henson, who scored a game-high 35 points, including 22-of-26 shooting from the free-throw line. Jovanni Perez and Harris each added 20 points, while Jayven Wynn contributed nine points and four rebounds. Henson also finished with six rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Lyndon shot 51.9 percent from the field, making 40 of 77 attempts, and connected on 11 of 30 three-point attempts. The Hornets held a 42-38 rebounding advantage and outscored Randolph 52-40 in the paint. Lyndon's bench was particularly productive, accounting for 57 points compared with 26 for Randolph. The Hornets also recorded 20 assists on their 40 made field goals.
Reid was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. He was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Bergmans, Rainwater, and Henson, along with Mike Hills of Colby-Sawyer College and Jordan Chisholm of Vermont State University Johnson.
Colby-Sawyer defeated VTSU Johnson, 103-70, in Saturday's consolation game.
Lyndon will return to the hardwood next Saturday, when the Hornets travel to Wheaton College for the Wheaton Invitational Tip-Off Tournament. Lyndon will take on the hosts at 7:00 pm, following a matchup between Bard College and Suffolk University. Saturday's winners will square off for the tournament championship next Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm, following a 1:00 pm consolation game.
