SCHENECTADY, NY -- Alex Snyder had 23 points and 10 rebounds with five assists as the Vassar College men's basketball team defeated host Union College, 88-80 at the Viniar Athletic Center Friday night in the LIberty League opener for both squads.The Brewers are now 4-5 overall while the Dutchmen fell to 6-4.

Erikson Wasyl scored 17 and Luka Ladan had 16 points with five assists and eight rebounds for Vassar. Curtis Smith scored 14 and the Brewers shot 58%, including 67% (16 for 24) in a 53 point second half. 

Union had just four turnovers on the night, and Vassar only turned it over eight times. Deshon Burgess scored a game best 24 points to lead the hosts, and William Hython's 11 points and game high 11 rebounds gave him his 12th double double of his career. Wade McNamara scored 17 points and Terell Winney had 11 for Union. Union shot 46% for teh game.

The Dutchmen had a 13 point lead 6:29 into the game, at 18-5. The Brewers got to within two at 25-23 with 8:27 left, but Union opened it up to a 10 point lead (34-24 with 5:54 left) before going into the half with a 38-35 advantage.

Vassar took the lead for the first time on a three pointer by Tony Caletti with 15:47 left in the second half, making it 46-45. The Brewers went on a 11-3 run over the next 3:27 and led by as many as 11 twice, including 71-60 with 5:43 to play. Kevin Weckworth hit a three pointer for Union with 3:03 left to pull the Dutchment to within three at 73-70, but a 9-0 run opened it up again and Union got as close as seven with 1:16 remaining.

Union hosts St. Lawrence Saturday at 4 p.m.