Box Score
Game Program

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (January 10, 2012) -- For the first time since 1995 and only the third time in 27 meetings, the Bard College men's basketball team defeated Vassar, winning 59-57 in the final seconds on Tuesday night at the Athletics and Fitness Center.

Vassar trailed for the entire second half until senior guard Jon Herzog tied the game at 57-57 with a 3-pointer with 25 seconds remaining. On the next possession, Bard's Matt Shubert clinched the 59-57 victory with a pair of clutch free throws with three seconds left to play.

The Brewers (5-6, 1-2) play St. Joseph (Vermont) on Sunday, January 15, at 3:00 p.m. The Raptors (3-6, 1-0) won their first Liberty League game and face Skidmore on the road on Friday, January 13, at 8:00 p.m.

The Raptors led 28-24 at intermission but built a double-digit lead on several occasions in the second half as they connected on 52.4 percent of their shots and limited Vassar to a 33.3 shooting percentage with scrappy defense on the other end. Trailing 48-36 with 9:28 to play, freshman Johnny Mrlik led the Brewers with 13 points during an 18-5 run to put Vassar within one point at 55-54 with 1:09 to play.

Bard's Jose Canario tipped in a missed three point attempt to push the Bard lead to 57-54 with 36 seconds to play. On the ensuing possession, Herzog brought the ball past half court, spun to separate from his defender, and nailed a deep three to even the score at 57-57 with 25 seconds to play.

After taking some time off the clock, Bard's Matt Shubert dribbled left from the top of the arc and was fouled. He sunk both free throws to put Bard ahead 59-57 with three seconds left to play. Vassar's final shot from halfcourt hit the front iron and was no good.

Mrlik led Vassar with 22 points and five rebounds, shooting 7-for-11 from the field. Herzog had 14 points and went 7-for-8 from the free throw line.

Shubert led Bard with 27 points and four assists. Siondueh Burnette posted 14 points and nine rebounds.