The Skidmore Men’s basketball team is on a roll of late, as they have begun their season with a commanding 4 consecutive victories. While league play has yet to begin, the lead signifies a continuation of their historically successful seasons. The Thoroughbreds have rattled off 8 straight Liberty League tournament appearances, 4 league titles over that span, and 3 straight NCAA D3 tournament berths, culminating in second round finishes each year.
This year’s team, however, have distinguished themselves from their predecessors, becoming the first Skidmore Men’s basketball in program history to be nationally ranked. The latest rankings from D3hoops.com have the Thoroughbreds as the 20th ranked division three basketball team thus far this season. This ranking was debuted before their 4th consecutive win, and with a slate of Liberty League games ahead, hopefully that ranking will continue to grow.
Skidmore’s aforementioned win came on the road at Worcester State University, by a score of 83-67. Entering the second half with a slim 37-34 lead, the Skidmore defense found its resolve, forcing 12 turnovers and holding their opponents to 9-for-36 shooting. A team scoring effort on the offensive end saw Skidmore land five players in double-digits, led by Junior Edvinas Rupkus with 22 points. Rupkus was also able to add 7 boards, 5 assists, and a couple of steals to his stat line. Impact transfer Dakpe Yiljep, from DII Chestnut Hill College, followed in scoring with 15 points, all scored in the second half. Jack Byrne (13), Chase Ta (10), and Pat Gallagher (10) round out Skidmore’s double-digit scorers.
The Thoroughbred’s next contest is its Liberty League opener, at home against St. Lawrence on Friday. The game tips off at 8 p.m. They follow that game up with a second Liberty League match against Clarkson, tipping off at 4 p.m. Both of those games are preceded by Women’s basketball matchups against the same opponents.
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photo courtesy of Skidmore Athletics website