Potsdam, NY - With convincing wins by both schools, the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team and Potsdam State advanced to the championship game of the North Country "Coaches Vs. Cancer" Classic Friday night at Clarkson's Alumni Gymnasium.

Clarkson will face Potsdam State in the championship at 4 pm and St. Joseph's College of Brooklyn will play Paul Smith's at 2 pm in the consolation game Saturday at Clarkson's Alumni Gymnasium.

The Golden Knights defeated St. Joseph's College of Brooklyn 84-50 in the late game, thanks to 21 points from senior guard Josh Harner (Houston, TX), while Potsdam cruised past Paul Smith's in the opening game of the tournament 112-73. The two teams met in last year's championship game as well, with the Golden Knights besting Potsdam 49-47 at the Bears' Maxcy Hall.

The Golden Knights opened the season with a quick burst in the first half to put themselves up by 25 points late in the opening frame and settled for a 41-20 hafltime lead. Kevin Williams (Syracuse, NY) scored 11 of his 14 points in the first half and finished with seven rebounds and five assists in just 20 minutes of play. Harner had 14 points in the first half and ended the contest with a game-high 21, shooting 8-for-17 from the floor and 4-for-9 from beyond the 3-point arc. Freshman Darren Angell (Glenview, IL) contributed 14 points, shooting 4-for-6 in 3-point attempts.

In the second half, the Golden Knights opened up a 40-plus point lead before ending the game with a 34-point advantage. Senior guard Eric Wallace (Ilion, NY) had five assists in 14 minutes, freshman Nick Jones (Washington, DC) had five assists, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals in 15 minutes, and Jon Youngmann (Corinth, NY) grabbed eight rebounds in 15 minutes. Luke Caccavo led the Bears with 14 points and six rebounds in the loss.

In the tournament's opening game, Potsdam State took advantage of Paul Smith's run-and-gun style to the tune of 60 first-half points, enjoying a 30-point cushion at the break. Junior Clayton shot 6-for-11 from the floor for a team-high 20 points and added five rebounds, four steals and three assists in just 19 minutes. James Connelly scored 16 points and added five assists while Eldon Harris grabbed 12 rebounds to go along with 12 points. The Bears had seven players in double-figures. Ray Melendez led Paul Smith's with 22 points, shooting 8-for-22 from the floor. Michael Battin added 15 points while Alex Michalak scored 12 points and Craig Milledge scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds.