JAMAICA, N.Y. (Dec. 15) - Shemar Bennett recorded a career-high 24 points and pulled down nine rebounds as Saint Vincent coasted to a 89-74 win over Clarks Summit University in the York College (N.Y.) Invitational consolation game. 

Saint Vincent excelled offensively during the contest, converting 62.7 percent (37-of-59) of its attempts from the field. The Bearcats were especially effective inside the three-point line, as SVC connected on 33 of 41 two-point field goals in the win. 

Both teams found success scoring early and often in the first half. Holding a 21-19 advantage, Saint Vincent used back-to-back layups by Bennett to start to gain some separation. A little later, David Stephendrained a three-point field goal to make it 31-24 at the 9:41 mark.

Later in the first half, a layup by Andrew Reed pushed the lead into double digits, as the freshman made the score 50-40 with 1:04 showing on the first half clock. Bennett and Kromka would tack on a basket each to help SVC take a 54-42 lead into halftime. 

Early in the second half, a layup by Tom Kromka stretched the SVC edge to 18 points (60-42) with 18:45 to play. The Bearcats would maintain their double-digit advantage for the entirety of the second half, with the lead as many as 18 points on two occasions. 

Saint Vincent held significant advantages in rebounding (28-20), bench points (38-21) and points in the paint (60-30). 

Bennett added three assists and three steals in just 24 minutes of action. For his efforts, Bennett was named to the All-Tournament Team. Joining him in double figures was Kromka, who tallied 15 points off of the Bearcat bench. Stephen filled the stat sheet once again, contributing nine points, five rebounds and four assists. 

Mike Simmons chipped in nine points while Reed added eight points and four assists in the victory. 

The win improves Saint Vincent to 9-2 overall, while Clarks Summit remains winless at 0-11. 

Saint Vincent returns to action on Dec. 30 when they host Hood College inside the Carey Center. Tip off is scheduled for 5 p.m.