SCHENECTADY, NY– The Ithaca College men's basketball team was defeated by the Union Garnet Chargers with a final score of 87-81 on Saturday afternoon. The second-half surge by the Bombers wasn't enough as the Garnet Chargers improved to 11-7, while Ithaca fell to 10-8.

The Garnet Chargers came out flying in this one as Edward Baptiste and Connor Cepiel helped Union get out to a 13-7 lead in the first half. Christian Dufort joined the fun as he hit a couple of deep shots to grow the Union lead to 25-14 just 10 minutes into the game.

Ithaca wasn't going to go down without a fight though, as Triston Wennersten and Logan Wendell made some big plays themselves by hitting some tough shots to bring Ithaca within 11 at halftime despite their shaky start. Union led Ithaca at the half with a score of 37-26.

The Bombers were able to get in a groove in the second half after Union's hot start. Wendell gave it his all as he was able to find success with his jumper and got to the line with ease. The Bombers went on an 8-0 run midway through the second half with contributions coming from Bryce Bleibtrey, Alex Penders, and Andrew Geschickter. A huge three-pointer from Geschickter cut the Union lead to 60-58.

Union was able to close out the game with several clutch free throws at the end to seal the deal for their 11th win of the season. Ithaca had plenty of fight in them, especially in the second half, but were unable to come back from their early deficit in this one.

Wendell had himself an impressive night leading all scorers with 27 points for Ithaca while Tanner Tedesco led the way for the Dutchmen with 19 points of his own.

Ithaca will have a small break before their next game which is on Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. against the Skidmore Thoroughbreds.