BRISTOL, RI (November 16, 2013) – The Vassar College men's basketball team's offense scored 47 second half points while its defense held Roger Williams University to only 26 second half tallies. The Brewers defeated Roger Williams 81-71 to finish third in the 2013 Courtyard by Marriott Tip-Off Tournament at Roger Williams.

    Clark University defeated Mount Ida College, 80-69 to win the tournament. Mount Ida finished second and Roger Williams was fourth.

    Despite being down, 45-34 at halftime, an Alex Snyder (Rutland, VT/Rutland) layup at 18:54 began a Vassar 15-2 run which brought the Brewers within one point at 50-49. Sophomore Johnny Mrlik (San Francisco, CA/St. Ignatius College Prep) scored eight of the 15 points in the run with three free throws, one 3-pointer and one layup.

    With almost 13 minutes remaining in the game and Roger Williams up 54-49, Mrlik and sophomore Erikson Wasyl (Durham, CT/Coginchaug) scored all eight of the Brewer's 8-2 run. Both Mrlik and Wasyl hit 3-pointers in the spree.

    The Hawks' Joseph Henry hit a pair of free throws at 8:17 that took the last lead for Roger Williams, 64-63. Senior John Donnelly (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) posted a layup on the next possession for a Brewer 65-64 lead. The Brewers went on a 16-7 run that saw three separate occasions where Vassar led by eight or more points to end the game.

    Mrlik's game was nothing short than impressive with his first double-double of the year, recording 28 points and 10 rebounds. He also dished out four assists and snagged one steal. Mrlik was perfect from the charity line, going 9-for-9. Snyder got his second double-double of the year with 13 boards and 10 points while Wasyl drained 13 points along with his five rebounds and three steals. Both Donnelly and junior Luka Ladan (Belmont, MA/Belmont) scored eight points.

    The Brewers (1-1) will next travel the short distance to Hudson Valley neighbor, SUNY New Paltz on Thursday, November 21 at 6:00 pm. The Hawks (0-2) will next travel to Johnson & Wales on Tuesday, November 19 for a 7:00 pm tip-off.

All-Tournament Team
Ryan Palumbo – Roger Williams University
Johnny Mrlik – Vassar College
Cam Walker – Mount Ida College
Andrew Musler – Clark University

Tournament MVP
Nicholas DaPrato – Clark University

Tournament Champions
Clark University