'KEENE, N.H.  1/11/07 - Tyler Kathan (Ludlow, Vt.) scored a career high 33 points and career best 17 rebounds as the Keene State College men's basketball team held on for a 84-79 non-conference victory over a stubborn Springfield College team at Spaulding Gym on Thursday night.

Winners of seven straight, Keene State improves to 12-1.  Springfield falls to 6-9.

"I just felt I had an opportunity to score and I took advantage of it," said Kathan.  "They gave us a good run, but fortunately we hit some free throws at the end to get the win."

With several of his big men in foul trouble, Colbert and the Owls needed a big night from Kathan, and the sophomore forward delivered. "He hit some really tough shots in some clutch situations," said KSC Coach Rob Colbert. "He showed that he wanted the basketball and that's something we need especially when we have to sit (Nate) Anderson down and had other players in foul trouble."

Keene State appeared to be in control when they raced out to a 15 point lead (39-24) with 2:12 to play in the first half.  The Pride cut the lead to eight points (39-31) at the break.

A game of runs continued in the second half.  KSC went up by 11 (73-62) on a pair of free throws by Kathan, who had 23 second half points.  The Pride whittled the lead down to three points (77-74) on a conventional three-point play by Anthony Pizzo (Clifton Park, N.Y.).  with 1:17 to go. 

David Sontag (Mont Vernon, N.H.) drove the lane and fed a no look pass to Kathan inside for a key lay-up. Sontag was later fouled and hit one of his two attempts at the line to put KSC back up by six (80-74).  Sontag and Anthony Licitra (Glastonbury, Conn.) hit free throws in the closing seconds to seal the win. 

"We didn't play as well as I'd liked, but I'm proud of how

our kids played down the stretch," said Colbert.  "We made enough plays to win."

Sontag finished with 13 points and Kevin Ritter (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) had 10 rebounds and five boards for the Owls.

    Gregg Daly (Farmington, Conn.) had 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead SC.  Pizzo finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Keene State returns to LEC play on Saturday when it travels to Southern Maine for a 3 p.m. game.