SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Haverford College men's basketball team led for nearly the entirety of Saturday's 63-59 victory over Clark University in the Equinox Classic at Tarble Pavilion. The Fords got out to an early lead thanks to 63 percent shooting from the field and three three-pointers in the first half.

The Fords led by seven points early thanks to a three-point field goal by Bo Friddell and a layup by Cam Baker. Near the 10-minute mark Clark (1-3) briefly took the lead as Tucker Esborn hit a pair of three's and a free throw, but Haverford (1-2) took the lead back for good on a trey by Louis Cipriano with 8:38 remaining. The Fords extended the lead to 10 with less than two minutes to play, but a three by Brian Vayda with two seconds left made the score 33-28 at halftime.

Haverford jumped out to a 5-0 run open the second half on jumpers by Friddell and Baker, followed by a free throw by Friddell. The Cougars got within five points a handful of times, but HC kept its lead near eight until the final seconds. Clark cut a nine-point deficit with 2:12 left to three, 62-59, as Travis Curley made a layup with 16 seconds left. Baker was fouled on the inbounds pass and made one-of-two free throws. Clark took the ball down court, but committed a costly turnover with three seconds left.

Baker finished the day with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Sam Permutt had 14 points and grabbed six boards. Friddell chipped in with 10 points on 50 percent shooting.

Vayda had 17 points for the Cougars on 6-of-12 shooting from the floor. Esborn added 10 points and six rebounds.

The Fords return home Tuesday to open Centennial Conference play by hosting Johns Hopkins University at 8 p.m.