CAGIANELLO SCORES 22 TO LEAD UNION TO ITS 10TH-STRAIGHT VICTORY

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.Sophomore guard John Cagianello scored a game-high 22 points while forwards, junior Devon Bruce and sophomore Brian Scordato, chipped in with 16 and 15 markers, respectively, as Union defeated Skidmore, 74-65, in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association opener for both teams.

The win improved Unions record to 10-1, the Dutchmens 10th-straight victory since losing by seven points at Williams in the season opener. It also marked the 10th consecutive game that Cagianello, last years UCAA Rookie of the Year, scored in double figures. The sharpshooter from Wethersfield, Connecticut, leads Union with his 19.2 average.

The Dutchmen, who went into intermission with a 30-28 advantage, built a nine-point cushion, 39-30, on two free throws by Scordato with 17:19 remaining. Scordato has now connected on 26 of his 31 charity attempts to lead the squad with his free throw percentage of 83.9.

Skidmore, now 6-3 overall, forged the first of four second-half ties as Mike Murray connected on a free throw with 15:32 showing. Murrays jumper at 14:03 made it 41-41 before Dana Martins layup with 13:08 gave the Thoroughbreds their only lead of the second half, 43-41 with 13:08 left to play. The contests final tie came at 10:21 when Greg Gallaghers three-point field goal made it 46 all.

Sophomore point guard Chris Murphys three-point basket gave the Dutchmen the lead for good with 9:57 remaining. Skidmore was able to climb back to within one, three times, with the last effort coming with 5:25 left on Fran Murrays layup. A pair of free throws by Devon Bruce not only gave the Dutchmen a 57-54 lead with 4:22 showing, the points started the Dutchmen on a 12-2 run that increased he margin to 11, 67-56, with just 1:07 remaining. Senior captain Imbrie Packard saved his best shooting until it really counted as he produced six of the 11 points to help the Dutchmen secure the victory.

Bruce and Scordato helped Union finish with a 35-29 rebounding average as they pulled down nine and 10 boards, respectively. Six of Bruces rebounds came off the offensive boards. Murphy finished with six assists to go along with his seven points.

Murray and Cortland Toczylowski each scored 15 points for Skidmore while Fran Murray added 12 and Martin 10.

Union will host league rivals Clarkson and St. Lawrence, respectively, this Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The game with the Saints will feature a live radio broadcast by D3hoops.com. The broadcast will begin with the 2 p.m. womens contest.