(Potsdam, N.Y.)- The Roos dropped an 89-73 decision to the University of Maine at Machias Saturday night at Clarkson University’s Alumni Gym.

The lead swung back and forth over the first several minutes of the first half as each team connected from beyond the arc in the early goings. A 7-7 tie grew into a 22-9 Clippers’ lead after Zach Armstrong scored 10 points in a four-minute stretch for Machias.

But the Roos came right back led by senior guard Tony Valentin (Perth Amboy, N.Y.), who was honored prior to the start of the game for scoring his 1,000th point this season. Valentin sparked an 11-0 SUNY Canton run scoring seven of his team-high 20 points during that stretch. The Roos pulled within a single point following a Jeff Grenier (Whitehall, N.Y.) layup with 8:26 left in the opening half but Machias eventually took a 42-30 lead into halftime.

The Roos continued to battle in the second half and Jajuan Williams (Richlands, N.C.) slashed the lead to seven points when he canned one of his four triples in the game to make the score 46-39 with just over 17 minutes left in regulation. SUNY Canton did draw within six points on three separate occasions in the final 14 minutes of the contest, but each time Machias had an answer on the other end of the floor.

Williams finished with 16 points and four assists. Valentin added six rebounds. Silvon John (Bronx, N.Y.) had nine points and five rebounds and Grenier ended the night with seven points and five boards.

Armstrong pumped in 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Will Lewis added 16 points and 10 assists.