POTSDAM, N.Y. - The Bard College men's basketball team lost a tough contest at Clarkson University Friday night, falling to the Liberty League foe 86-81 in overtime.

With the loss, the Raptors' record moved to 6-11 overall and 4-6 in Liberty League play. The Golden Knights meanwhile, improved to 7-10 overall and 3-7 in the league.

The game was a tale of two halves as Bard took advantage in the opening half, only to have Clarkson rally back in the second to force overtime.

To open the contest, it was back-and-forth action, until midway through the half. From there, the Raptors were able to get in front and hold the lead into the break.

While the visitors held the advantage for much of the half, the difference was never greater than two possessions until late in the frame, when the Raptors nailed three-straight three pointers to put them up 38-28 with just two minutes to go. 

Bard entered halftime with an eight point advantage, 38-30. To open the second half, Clarkson responded quickly by outscoring Bard 11-2 over the first three minutes of the frame. 

Over the rest of the half, each side would go on scoring runs, only to have the opposition answer right back with a run of its own.

The turning point for Clarkson came just past the midway point of the half, as it used a 19-7 run to put Bard in a hole, down 71-65 with just 3:46 remaining.

The Raptors weren't done by any stretch though. Over the next three minutes, Bard outscored the hosts 6-0 to tie the game up with just 40 seconds to go. 

Following a key defensive stop, the Raptors were left with a final chance in regulation to win it. With some good screens and play design, Emmanuel Oyakhilome was set up beautifully for an attempt at a game-winning three pointer. 

Unfortunately for the Raptors, his shot rattled and spun and bounced all around the rim before popping out, sending the game to overtime. 

During the extra five minute span, Clarkson regained its offensive mojo after being held scoreless for nearly the final four minutes of regulation. After turning the ball over on their first possession of OT, the Golden Knights responded by scoring on all of their subsequent possessions the rest of the frame. 

Bard meanwhile, was unable to match the shooting of the hosts in overtime, resulting in the tough defeat.

Oyakhilome powered the Raptors in the effort with his career-high 28 points on 8-of-19 shooting from three point range. Bard also got 13 points from Justyn Rogers and 11 points from David Runcie in the loss.

As for Clarkson, Joe Lucas (Watertown, CT) finished with 27 points, while Matt Higgins (South Glens Falls, NY) added 21 points in the win. Liam Ellis (Turners Falls, MA) finished with 12 points and 10 assists and Gary Hanley (Jordan, NY) added 10 points and 17 rebounds. 

Up next for Bard is another road contest up north as the team takes on St. Lawrence University tomorrow (1/27) at 4 p.m. You can follow that game right here.