Cresson, PA- The Mount Aloysius Men's Basketball team won its season opening game on Monday night, defeating Shenandoah University by a score of 88-70.

Junior guard Trent McErlane started the season off for the Mounties, draining a three pointer on the first possession of the game. The game was back and forth through the first 6 minutes of play, but the Mounties went on a 16-5 run over the next 9 minutes, capped by a Ramel Stephens three to build a 12 point lead. Shenandoah struck back cutting the lead to 4 with under 4 minutes left in the half, but the Mounties finished strong scoring 6 points in the final minute as Kaimonne Douglas stole the ball at mid court and finished a lay up at the buzzer to restore the 12 point margin at the half.

The Mounties stayed hot after the break, as they used another 21-6 run to push their advantage to 27 points with 13:43 to play. This run was again capped off by a three, this time from 2017-18 All Conference performer Julian Stover. The Mounties maintained and grew their lead to a game high 34 points with over 7 minutes left to play. Shenandoah was able to cut into the lead late, taking advantage of a tightly called game which finished with 62 fouls between the two squads. 

Juniors Stover and Douglas led the Mounties with 23 points a piece. Stover finished 6-9 from the field while adding in 10 points from the free throw line. Douglas finished 9-19 from the field while hitting 2 of 5 three point attempts. McErlane added in double digit points, shooting 4-6 from the field including 2-3 from deep. Stephens was the final double digit scorer for finishing with 10. Sophomore Tommy Pisula led the Mounties on the glass, finishing with 9 rebounds including 4 on the offensive end.

The Mounties (1-0) will face a stiff challenge in their next game on Wednesday. They will head to Pittsburgh to take on Division I opponent Robert Morris starting at 7:00 PM.