Middlebury, Vt. - No. 7 Middlebury narrowly topped the Plattsburgh State men's basketball team, 81-75, in Vermont. The Cardinals held close to the Panther throughout the contest, but could not push ahead in the end for the win.

The Cardinals now stand at 7-2 for the year, while Middlebury is 10-0 overall.

Plattsburgh produced outstanding numbers in the first half, shooting 66.7% (2-3) from the three-point line and 90.9% (10-11) from the charity stripe. The Cardinals trailed 34-38 entering half time.

During the second half, scoring for the Cardinals fizzled, with the men only making 36.7% (11-30) from the field. Meanwhile Middlebury improved from 27.8% (10-36) in the first to 51.7% (15-29) in the second to help secure the win. 

Errol Daniyan posted a double-double for the Cards, 23 points and 12 boards. Chris Ruiz also scored double-digits, netting 19 during the contest, and went 7-for-8 from the free-throw line.

For the Panthers, Ryan Sharry matched Daniyan's game-high 12 rebounds and sank 18 points. Nolan Thompson tossed up 15 points for Middlebury and Tim Edwards contributed 10, along with five assists.

The Cardinals travel across the state this weekend to take on Buffalo State on Friday at 8 p.m. and Fredonia on Saturday at 4 p.m.