Ben Crawford recorded his first double-double of the season and Riley Naclerio recorded a team-high 20 points, but the St. Lawrence University men's basketball team fell to SUNY Plattsburgh 95-79 in non-conference play Tuesday evening in Plattsburgh, New York.

Crawford's double-double included 11 points and 10 rebounds. Dom DeRegis also added 15 points and five rebounds for the Saints.

Both teams battled point-for-point through the first four minutes of play. The Cardinals then went on a six-point run to gain their first extended lead of the game. The Saints rebounded to tie the game, 20-20, with a quick pass from Naclerio and layup from Jack Twardy.

SUNY Plattsburgh continued to extend its lead down the first-half stretch only allowing the Saints within four points.

With seven ties and four lead changes in the first half alone, the Cardinals held a 42-35 at halftime.

The Cardinals extended their lead to 16 points just minutes into the second half. Chris Middleton anchored Plattsburgh's offense, shooting 11-for-14 from the field and 2-for-3 from the 3-point arc.

The Scarlet and Brown narrowed the gap to single digits twice, the first time with just under seven minutes remaining, and again with a two free throws from Naclerio with 4:26 to play. However the Saints weren't able to shrink the deficit any further.  

The Cardinals were led by Middleton with 27 points, while Nick DeAngelis added 13 and Brandon Johnson and Travis Cox scored 12 apiece.

With the loss, the Saints fell to 1-3, while Plattsburgh improved to 1-2 on the season.

St. Lawrence will travel to Skidmore and Rensselaer for the first weekend of Liberty League play. The Saints take on the Thoroughbreds, Friday, December 1st at 8 p.m. and the Engineers, Saturday December 2nd at 4 p.m.