POTSDAM, N.Y.- The SUNY Potsdam men's basketball team's (1-2) rally against Clarkson University (6-0) fell short by a 67-61 score. Senior guard Rishawd Hendricks (Brooklyn, N.Y./Mount Zion Christian Academy) matched his career-high with 18 points to lead the Bears. Senior forward John Coleman (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam) recorded 21 points in the Golden Knights' win.

Potsdam got off to a slow start early and Clarkson took advantage with a 12-2 run in the first four minutes. Senior forward Connor Engle (Auburn, N.Y./Auburn) ended the Bears drought with a jumper at 15:51. Junior guard Joe Estramonte (Greenwich, N.Y./Greenwich) added two points to get within six just over a minute later, but Golden Knight guard Conrad Zampier's (East Greenbush, N.Y./Columbia) answered with a layup to send the momentum back in the other direction.

At 7:04, Zampier completed a three-point play to give Clarkson its largest lead of the period at 26-12. Both teams battled the rest of the half and went into the break with the Golden Knights leading 35-27.

The see-saw play continued into the final 20 minutes of the contest. Every time the Bears closed the gap, the Golden Knights responded. Clarkson managed to get their lead to 16 after two free throws from senior guard Charles McAllister (Olathe, Kan./Olathe South) at 12:42. Senior captains Zac Adams (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam) and Greg Torchon (Spring Valley, N.Y./St. Joseph Regional) scored seven of the next nine points for Potsdam to start the Bears' comeback at 10:19.

With under two minutes to go, Clarkson led 65-56. Adams and Torchon then combined for five more points for the Bears to get within four, but the Golden Knights hit two foul shots to close out the game and seal the 67-61 victory.

Torchon and Adams both recorded 10 points, while Estramonte added eight points and six rebounds.

Zampier finished the contest with 15 points. Senior guard Dylan Hodownes (Honeoye Falls, N.Y./Batavia) and junior guard Felix Abongo (Beacon, N.Y./Iona Prep) each tallied eight points for Clarkson.

The Bears are back in action Friday against Oneonta at Jerry Welsh Gymnasium at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Potsdam will host New Paltz at 2 p.m.