SCHENECTADY, NY -- Drew Desmarais made a layup while getting fouled with three seconds remaining, and followed up with the successful free throw to lift Union to an 85-82 win over Skidmore in a Liberty League men's basketball contest at the Viniar Athletic Center Tuesday night. The Dutchmen, 4-4 in the league and 11-7 overall, got 22 points from Steve Madej, 21 from Desmarais and 19 from Joey Lokitis. Skidmore now stands 2-6 in the league and 7-12 overall.

Nick Ciresi added 16 points for the Dutchmen and Desmarais had eight rebounds. Jeff Altimar (Medfield, MA) led all players with 23 points and finished with seven boards, while Terron Victoria (Albany, NY) had 14 points and Jon Douglas (Shutersbury, MA) scored 10.

Union led by as many as 18, earlier in the second half. With 4:57 remaining in the second half, Union had a 15 point lead, at 78-63. But the Thoroughbreds ran right back into the game with a furious 19-4 run in the next 4:13, tying it with 14 seconds left on a three pointer by Altimar. Union came back down court and Desmarais made his layup through a crowd and drew the foul. After his free throw, Gerard O'Shea (West Sand Lake, NY) took a long three that bounced off the glass to the left of the basket as time ran out. 

Union led 43-33 at halftime, shooting 53% in the first 20 minutes. For the game, the Dutchmen also shot 53% while the Thoroughbreds shot at a 40% clip. Union had the edge on the boards, 39-36. The Dutchmen played the final minutes without two key players who had fouled out, Matt Covucci and Lokitis. Covucci had seven reobunds and six assists and Lokitis added five assists.

Both teams head on the road this weekend. Next up for Union is a Friday night game at St. Lawrence while Skidmore plays at Clarkson that night.

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