Morrisville, NY - Senior George Koduah (Accra, Ghana) tied his career-high 18 points as the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team opened the 2010-11 season with a 78-67 victory over Morrisville State Monday evening.

The Golden Knights, 1-0, will play at home this weekend when they host the 2010 North Country Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

Clarkson started the first half on a 12-2 run in the first four minutes, and continued with its fast start with a 17-8 lead in the first six minutes. However, Morrisville rallied with a 10-0 run to take its only lead of the ball game at the 9:40 mark, but the advantage would be shortlived. Clarkson stepped up its offensive and defensive games, post a 14-1 run over the next six-plus minutes and pushed the lead to as many as 15 points near the close of the half. With six straight points by Morrisville, the Mustangs were able to cut the gap to just 11 at the break.

Morrisville climbed back into the contest methodically, pulling to within six points at the 9:30 mark, and then to within two possessions at 6:03. Three free throws and a 3-pointer from Felix Llanos (Queens, NY) helped the Knights return their advantage to double figures, and though Morrisville was able to get back within seven points in the final minute, the Mustangs never really threatened Clarkson's lead again.

Koduah nearly produced a double-double with 18 points and eight rebounds, and senior Jon Hood (Cortlandt Manor, NY) also almost reached double figures in both categories with eight points and eight boards. Llanos added 13 points and four steals, and Rey Jefferson (Budd Lake, NJ) added 12 points. Clarkson found the open man all night, producing 18 assists on 23 field goals.

Dwayne Wade led Morrisville's efforts with 26 points and four steals.