POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team (0-2) closed out the North Country Invitational with a 95-85 loss to Berkeley College Saturday afternoon. Senior forward Curtis Pierce led the Bears on the day with 21 points and six rebounds.

Potsdam got off to a slow start in the early stages of the game and Berkeley took advantage with a 9-0 run in just three minutes. Junior forward Rob Duquette ended the Bears drought with a layup, assisted by Pierce. The Potsdam offense soon emerged as they climbed back into the game. Two free throws by Pierce cut the Knights lead to one with 6:18 remaining in the first stanza. Berkeley slowed the Bears charge and pieced together a 6-2 run to close out the half on top, 46-39.

The Knights continued their momentum into the second half as they extended their lead to 15 points at the 16:46 mark. The Bears continued to battle back with 13 minutes left in the game with an 8-0 run to cut the lead to five. However, the Berkeley tandem of Kaseem Williams and Jose Stable proved to be too strong for Potsdam. The Knights continued to apply pressure on the Bears and closed out a high scoring contest, 95-85.

Berkeley shot 58% from the floor and 55% beyond the arc. Williams led the Knights with 36 points and eight assists. Stable joined his teammate with 31 points and eight rebounds. Jovan Bovell added 15 points to round out the top scorers.

The Bears shot 37% on the court in the loss. Duquette totaled 14 points and seven rebounds. Junior forward Colin Peterson contributed 13 points and senior guard Mark Lake, Jr. added 12 points, respectively.

The Bears return to action Tuesday, Nov. 27 for their home opener versus North Country rival Clarkson University. Tip off is set for 8 p.m.