ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Despite a late comeback attempt following a strong second half push, the Bard College men's basketball team fell to RIT in Liberty League play by a score of 80-67 Saturday afternoon.

The Raptors (0-13, 0-7 LL) were put in a hole early, as RIT (5-9, 2-5 LL) started the game off on a 14-3 run, capped off by five points from forward Matt Anderson (Bennington, Vt.). Bard closed the gap to eight points near the midway point of the first half following five straight points from freshman guard Elliot Harris, but the Tigers responded with 10 unanswered points to build their lead to 18 with nine minutes remaining.

The Raptors again came back with a push and were able to get back within 11 points following a pair of baskets from freshman guards Andres Pacheco and Kevin Le, with Harris adding a three pointer. RIT, however, hit a pair of late threes to take a 43-26 advantage into halftime.

Bard started off the second half with a hot start from Harris, who scored eight points in the first five minutes to get the visitors back in the game. Following a three pointer by sophomore forward Stamatis Koulouris and a pair of baskets from Le, Bard cut the RIT lead down to eight points with just under nine minutes left in the second half. The Tigers were able to build the lead back up to double digits, but the Raptors again responded. The team turned to the three ball, as Koulouris, Elliot and freshman guard Stefanos Psarras all connected from long range to close the deficit to six points with two minutes remaining. Unfortunately for the visitors, RIT was able to put the game away late with a 7-0 run in the final minutes to claim a hard-fought conference victory.

Harris led all scorers on the afternoon with 23 points in addition to six rebounds, and Koulouris posted a double-double, picking up 19 points and 10 rebounds. Le had a strong game as well, adding 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Psarras chipped in with five points, four rebounds and a game-high six assists.

The Raptors continue their seven-game road trip Tuesday, Jan. 21, as they travel to Troy, N.Y. to take on RPI for their second matchup of the season. Game time is scheduled for 7: 30 p.m.