Box Score WATERVILLE, ME – Thomas was unable to hold on for an overtime victory, falling at the hands of Castleton, 130-129, in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) men's basketball contest on Friday night at Larry Mahaney Gymnasium.
Thomas falls to 9-13 (9-6 NAC), while Castleton improves to 16-7 (14-2 NAC) in the victory.
The game seemed to be won by Castleton near the end of regulation, as Tyler Ackley with 13 seconds remaining gave the away side a three point lead. Thomas' first chance to tie the game by Adam Carlsen fell short from the perimeter, however the rebound was picked up by Levi Barnes and the shot was good from way beyond the three point arc to bring the game into overtime.
The Red and Black would be unable to hang on in overtime however, as the Spartans went on a 7-0 run to kick off OT, and never relinquished the lead throughout extra time. Castleton would put the game out of reach, hitting a free throw with seconds remaining to make a two score game.
The first half was a back and forth high-scoring affair with 15 lead changes and eight ties. The two teams battled to a 64-64 tie at halftime, with neither team giving the other an inch, as there was a combined 33 fouls.
The Spartans had the largest lead in the opening stanza of 11 at 4:43 on a three-pointer by Steve Rosemond to cap off an 8-0 run.
Thomas, whose 64 first half points was a season-high, had their largest cushion of the period (six) at the 11:25 mark on a free throw by Greene Jr.
In a strongly battled second half that saw a combined 49 fouls, neither team led by as many as five points, while both teams shot exceptionally well from the floor.
Steve Rosemond led the Spartans with 32 points, while going 11-15 from the floor, while Thomas was led by Stanley Greene Jr., who dropped 28 points, going 15-15 from the charity stripe.
Overall, Thomas shot 48.3% (42-87) from the field, while going 11-22 (50%) from beyond the perimeter, while their counterparts went 44-90 (48.9%) from the floor and shot 34.9% (15-43) from downtown. Castleton held a 54-45 advantage in caroms, and a 50-44 edge in points in the paint.
Thomas will be back in action tomorrow night as they host Green Mountain College at 3:00pm. The Terriers defeated the Eagles earlier this season on the road, 74-64.
