POUGHKEEPSIE, NY -- All four of Vassar's seniors had big games and the Brewers kept their Liberty League playoff hopes alive with an 82-55 victory over Union Saturday afternoon. Seniors Matt Nunn and Brian Butterworth each scored 20 points, Joe Davis added 17 points and eight rebounds, and point guard Lenny Holt ran the offense with six assists, six steals and five rebounds.

Vassar won its second league game in two days, and improves to 9-13 on the season, and 4-7 in the Liberty League. Union is now 12-10 overall and 5-7 in the league. 

Nick Ciresi led Union with 16 points on six of 10 shooting including four of six from behind the ark. Three other Union players had eight points each, Steve Madej, Matt Rogers and Henry Stevens.

Vassar's four seniors dominated the first half, combining to score Vassar's first 31 points before freshman Caleb McGraw punctuated the half with a three-pointer to put Vassar up 34-22 at the break.

Davis and Nunn led Vassar in that opening frame, combining for 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Union was able to stay within striking distance by making six three-pointers, but the Dutchmen managed only two two-point field goals in the first half. Davis in particular, sparked Vassar's first half offense with 15 points.

In their first meeting on January 30, Union fought back from a 19-point first half deficit to force Vassar into overtime before the Brewers finally won 87-80. In this game, however, Vassar started the second half with a 13-5 run capped by a Holt layup that put Vassar on top 47-27 less than three minutes into the second half. Union displayed a deep bench that scored 21 of its 55 points, but the Dutchmen never led in the game.

Vassar took its largest lead of the game with 5 minutes left when Butterworth's fourth three of the game made it 77-45 with 3:43 to play. 

As Union looks to earn a slot in the Liberty League tournament, the Dutchmen will close out the regular season at home with games Friday night vs. Hobart (7 p.m.) and Saturday afternoon (vs. Hamilton).

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