CASTLETON, Vt. -- Joe Russell (13 pts) and Justin Schwarzbeck (17pts) paced the Spartans to a 64-54 victory. The Bears, who were down eight points at the half, fought back to cut the lead to 2 (52-50), before the Spartans went on a 6-0 run making back to back 3's.

The Bears were paced by Declan Rooney who had nine points. Cameron Brown and Abe Countryman chipped in with eight points each.

The Bears are back in action tomorrow at 12pm against St. Joseph's College of Maine in day two of action.