SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -  The Ithaca College men's basketball team held a 24-point advantage early in the second half, but host Union College stormed back to defeat the Bombers, 86–79, in a Liberty League showdown Friday night at Viniar Athletic Center. Ithaca is now 6-12 on the season and 5-6 in the Liberty League.

Union's defense fueled the comeback, turning up the pressure in the second half and forcing key turnovers that swung momentum. The Dutchmen held Ithaca to just 28 points after halftime while limiting open looks from the perimeter and dominating the glass during their run. 

Senior Jack Plesser led the charge, scoring a game-high 26 points while anchoring the interior on both ends of the floor. Tanner Tedesco provided a major spark off the bench, knocking down timely three-pointers that ignited Union's rally. Christian Dufort and Matthew Garside added critical baskets and defensive stops during the decisive stretch. 

Ithaca controlled the early pace, building a 51–29 halftime lead behind aggressive drives and efficient ball movement. Evan Cabral paced the Bombers with 27 points, consistently attacking the rim and drawing contact. Matthew Zenker and Thomas McKiernan contributed key baskets as Ithaca looked in command midway through the contest. 

Out of halftime, Union wasted little time reclaiming momentum. Multiple sequences of steals and fast-break points cut the deficit to single digits, and back-to-back three-pointers from Tedesco and Garside brought the Dutchmen within striking distance. Union eventually erased the deficit entirely, taking its first lead of the second half midway through the period. 

The final minutes featured back-and-forth action, but Union's consistency at the free-throw line ended the game. Plesser knocked down clutch foul shots late, while the defense forced critical stops to seal the seven-point victory. 

With the win, Union improves its conference record and continues to build momentum in Liberty League play. Ithaca will look to bounce back in its next matchup against RIT at George H. Clark Gymnasium at 4 p.m.