SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Interstat) — Vermont built a commanding first-half lead and held off a second-half push from Bryant to earn a 62-52 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Chace Athletic Center.

The Catamounts led 30-17 at halftime, capitalizing on a stifling defensive effort that limited the Bulldogs to 17 points on 15-of-47 shooting for the game. Bryant outscored Vermont 35-32 after intermission but could not overcome the early deficit.

TJ Hurley led all scorers with 26 points for Vermont, which improved to 13-8. Aaron Davis paced Bryant with 15 points and six rebounds. The Bulldogs fell to 6-14.

Vermont’s defense was key, holding Bryant to 4-of-23 shooting from three-point range. The Catamounts also won the rebounding battle 40-31, including a 13-6 edge on the offensive glass. Attendance was 844.