SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Fifteen different players recorded at least one point as the Union College men's basketball team cruised past Bard College by a 77-38 score in a Liberty League matchup at Viniar Athletic Center on Friday night.
 
Sophomore Brian Noone was the lone Dutchman in double figures with 11 points and six rebounds in 17 minutes, as Union spread the offense around. Classmate Mike Manley added eight points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals all in just 19 minutes of action, while junior Jack Williams also chipped in eight points in helping Union (8-4, 5-2 Liberty League) to its third straight victory.
 
Bard (0-12, 0-6 Liberty League) held a lead for much of the first seven minutes, taking a 10-7 advantage following a jumper by Andres Pacheco with 12:26 left. But the Union defense clamped down after that, keeping the Raptors scoreless for the next 8:40 as part of a huge 19-0 run. The Dutchmen shot 7-of-13 from the field during the run, led by eight points from Noone, while Bard missed on all 10 attempts.
 
For the half, Union limited Bard to 5-of-27 shooting (18.5 percent) and forced the Raptors into 14 turnovers. Thanks to its defensive effort, Union led 11-2 in both points off turnovers and fastbreak points as part of its 30-13 halftime edge.
 
In the second half, Union did not allow Bard any thoughts of a comeback, keeping the Raptors without back-to-back baskets for the entire final 20 minutes. The lead grew to as many as 40 points in the final minute after a layup by freshman Sean Regis made the score 76-36.
 
With the game well in hand, multiple freshmen had the chance to get some quality minutes in the second half. Mike Caporale made all four of his shots to finish with eight points, while Justin Regis chipped in four points and two rebounds and brother Sean had two baskets and two assists to lead the way.
 
The Dutchmen defense finished the night forcing 27 Bard turnovers, leading to a decisive 29-4 edge in points off miscues and a 28-4 advantage in fastbreak points. Union only shot 39.7 percent (31 for 78) for the night, but took an incredible 23 more shots than the Raptors in earning the win.
 
Union will return to action tomorrow, when the Dutchmen host Vassar College in another Liberty League matchup beginning at 4 p.m. at Viniar Athletic Center.