Potsdam, NY - At halftime of the exhibition game against the Algonquin Thunder, Clarkson University President Tony Collins and Athletic Director Steve Yianoukos helped honor the Clarkson University Men’s Basketball team’s 2007-08 run to the NCAA Tournament with the unveiling of a pair of banners. If Sunday’s exhibition is any indication, the Golden Knights appear ready to defend that title as the Green and Gold cruised to a 79-59 win over the Thunder at Alumni Gymnasium.

The Knights took little time jumping in front of the Thunder, reaching a double-digit lead early on thanks to their guard play. Senior Brian Salanger (Syracuse, NY), junior Brandon Linton (Queens, NY) and freshman Felix Llanos (Queens, NY) mixed outside jumpers and quick moves to the basket to send the Knights on a 15-0 run and a 20-plus point advantage midway through the half. Clarkson continued to roll on, and held a 44-19 lead at the break.

Llanos led the way with 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting. Junior Keith Murray (Queens, NY) added in seven points and a pair of blocks, while senior James Evans (Hamburg, NY) had a solid first half with five points, four rebounds, and four assists.

The second half saw both teams’ defensive efforts break down as quick shots were lofted at both ends of the court, especially by the Thunder. Algonquin scored 40 second-half points, taking 17 more shots in the second half than in the first with the help of 13 offensive rebounds. The Thunder’s roll didn’t matter much in the end, however, as Clarkson continued to get to the rim with plenty of lay ups along with timely 3-pointers.

Llanos finished with a game-high 15 points in just 18 minutes, going 6-for-8 from the floor, while Linton closed with 12 points. Ryan Smith (Niagara Falls, NY) contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds, and Murray closed with 9 points.

For the Thunder, Luc Minani recorded 12 points and 7 rebounds and Davidson Sanelus added in six points and 10 rebounds.