Bristol, R.I. – Led by career-highs of 24 points and 12 rebounds from Tournament MVP Andrew Musler (Belmont, Mass.), Clark University emerged as tournament champions at the Courtyard by Marriott Tip-Off Tournament hosted by Roger Williams University after defeating Mount Ida College, 80-69 on Saturday afternoon.

The win the for the Cougars gives them their second straight 2-0 start and their second consecutive season-opening tournament crown.

Today's contest with the Mustangs was a close one with both teams staying neck-and-neck, as evidenced by seven lead changes and seven ties in the first half alone.

It would be Clark, however, that closed out the half on a dominant run that helped give the Cougars control of the game. With the score tied 30-30 with two minutes to play in the half, Clark went on a 12-0 run before Cam Walker (New Bedford, Mass.) was able to knock down a three at the buzzer to pull the deficit within single digits.

In the second half, Clark held on to its double-digit lead for most of the period. A pair of free throws by Marcus Armstrong (Malden, Mass.) gave Clark its largest lead of the game, a 15-point advantage (57-42) with 14:28 to go.

Mount Ida continued to pull itself back into the game, eventually coming within three at 66-63 with 5:45 to go. However, seven straight Cougar points  – highlighted by a Musler three-pointer - brought the lead back to double-digits and the Mustangs wouldn't come closer than seven points the rest of the game.

In addition to Musler, Nicholas DaPrato (Marshfield, Mass.) finished with 20 points, while freshman Joseph Atkinson (Milford, Mass.) went for eight points, five assists and four steals.

Walker, who was named to the all-tournament, scored 31 points to finish the weekend with a 36.0 ppg average.

Clark will return to the hardwood on Tuesday when they travel to Fitchburg State for a meeting with the Falcons at 7:00 p.m. before opening up their home slate on Thursday against Wentworth.

2013 Courtyard By Marriott Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
Nicholas DaPrato – Clark University
Ryan Palumbo – Roger Williams University
Johnny Mrlik – Vassar College
Cam Walker – Mount Ida College

2013 Courtyard By Marriott Tip-Off Tournament MVP
Andrew Musler – Clark University