POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Bard College men's basketball team dropped a Saturday afternoon Liberty League game against Vassar College, falling 82-60 to the Brewers.

The Raptors (0-16, 0-10 LL) got a strong start from sophomore forward Stamatis Koulouris, who scored five early points. Freshman guard Elliot Harris added a three-pointer as Bard closed Vassar's (6-10, 3-7 LL) lead to one point, trailing 9-8 with just over six minutes gone in the first half. The Brewers were able to build their lead back up, as forward Zach Johnson (San Francisco, Calif.) made three consecutive baskets to put Vassar up by seven. The home team continued to build their lead, but the Raptors were able to get back within five points following a three pointer from freshman guard Tyler Bruns.

The Brewers then went on a roll, as guard Ethan Ellis (Silver Spring, Md.) scored five straight points as part of an 11-1 run, creating a 14 point Vassar advantage. With just under three minutes remaining in the half, Bard cut the deficit to nine following five straight points from Koulouris and a pair of free throws from Bruns. But the home team was again able to respond, as the Brewers scored 10 of the final 12 points to close out the half and held a 43-26 advantage as the teams headed to the intermission.

Bard looked to cut into Vassar's lead early in the second, as freshman guard Stefanos Psarras hit an early three to get the Raptors going. But Vassar went on a roll once again, going on a 14-2 run to gain a 59-31 lead with six minutes gone by in the half. The visitors were able to reduce the Vassar lead following a 7-0 run midway through the half, but the Brewers proved to be too much, putting together a strong performance as they picked up their third conference win of the season.

Harris led the Raptors on the day with 18 points to go along with eight rebounds, and Bruns nearly missed a double-double, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds. Psarras contributed with 14 points and five rebounds, and Koulouris finished the day with 12 points and four rebounds.

The Raptors continue Liberty League play in their next game, when they visit St. Lawrence University Friday, Jan. 31. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.