BURLINGTON, Vt. – League-leading Vermont (15-4, 5-0 America East) closed out the first half with a decisive 24-5 run and defeated visiting Binghamton men's basketball (5-14, 1-3 AE) 78-50 Saturday afternoon at Patrick Gymnasium.

The Catamounts shot 45 percent and were plus 31 on the glass, resulting in 15 more shots. Vermont also made 17-of-20 free throws.

"It's been a tough road stretch, playing three of the best teams in the league on their home floors and we just haven't played well," head coach Tommy Dempsey said. "We were physically overmatched underneath today and had no answer for them on the glass. We're in a rut right now but we have to fight through it. The guys played a pretty good second half and found some traction. We just have to stick with it."

The Bearcats trailed 12-9 with 12:33 left in the first half before the Catamounts ended the half with the big run to take a commanding 36-14 lead into break.

Binghamton played near-even for the second half, putting 36 points on the board and shooting 57 percent.

Freshman guard Sam Sessoms scored a team-high 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting and senior forward Caleb Stewart added 14 points and five rebounds before fouling out.

After what will be an extended stay in Burlington due to the snowstorm, Binghamton returns home and hosts UMass Lowell Wednesday night at the Events Center.