ALBANY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College began its season on a high note, defeating visiting Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 67-63 tonight in the Kahl Campus Center.

Junior guard Noah Girard (Glens Falls, NY/Glens Falls) scored 12 of his team-high 17 points in the second half to help the Gators hold off the visiting Panthers.

Senior guard/forward Jackson Brown (Latham, NY/Catholic Central/Fredonia State) added 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting and topped all participants with nine rebounds. 

Tied at 53 with 4:36 left, RSC used an 8-2 run across the ensuing 2:09 to take some control. Brown and Girard each knocked down three-pointers during the stretch.

ACPHS (2-2) managed to get within a bucket twice in the final 25 seconds, but made foul shots by Girard and junior guard Marcus Gentile (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central/Utica) kept the Panthers at bay.

Sophomore forward Brett Richards (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) paced ACPHS with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, eight rebounds, and five blocks.

RSC (1-0) starts its campaign with three home games. The run continues on Saturday at 2:00 pm vs. Elms. The program will be collecting non-perishable food items in support of the Capital City Rescue Mission at the non-conference matinee.

Gator Bites: Head coach Brian Barnes is in his 15th season at the helm of the Gators...Seven returnees and eight newcomers comprise this year's roster…Girard, Brown, and junior forward Todd Williamson (Schenectady, NY/Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons) were voted co-captains...Girard and Brown each averaged more than 13.0 points last season.

Support #SageNation