RUTLAND, VT - The Villa Maria Vikings hung with the College of St. Joseph's (VT) most of Monday night's contest but the Fighting Saints pulled away late to defeat Villa 86-69 on Monday evening.

St. Joseph's (9-4), entered Monday's game ranked second in the latest USCAA Coaches Poll but that did not phase the young Vikings team who were within two possessions the entire second half and until five minutes left in the game.  The Fighting Saints closed the game on a 31-16 run.

Villa (5-13) was led by freshman center Darius Huggins (Buffalo, NY/Lackawanna) who finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds.  Sophomore Justin Stokes (Buffalo, NY/Middle Early College) scored 15 points and pulled down 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.  Freshman Donte Campbell (Buffalo, NY/Huch Tech) also scored 15 points and had 7 helpers.

The Vikings continue their road trip when they play the University of Maine at Fort Kent on Wednesday, December 30.  The Vikings and Bengals faced off earlier this season in Buffalo with Fort Kent going home with a 71-69 victory.