Cresson, PA- The Mount Aloysius Men's Basketball team was unable to overcome a slow start as they fell to La Roche College 62-57. 

The Redhawks scored first in the game and never looked back. Despite Julian Stover (Washington, DC/Richard Montgomery) banking home a three as the shot clock hit zero, La Roche was undeterred on the offensive end by the normally stout Mountie defense, building a 14 point lead halfway through the period. After trading baskets for the next 8 minutes, the Mounties were able to cut the lead into single digits with just over two to go. Carlos Palacio (Bilbao, Spain/Phelps School) hit a lay up inside and Stover followed up hitting three free throws to put the lead at 6 points. After a La Roche bucket Palacio hit a three, however a Mountie foul at the buzzer allowed La Roche to tack on two late free throws to set the halftime edge at 7 points. 

The teams started the second half exchanging baskets again as the lead fluctuated between 7 and 9 points. With 13 minutes to go Imil Britt (Johnstown, PA/Greater Johnstown) drove into the lane for a basket and Stover hit two free throws to move the deficit to 3 points. The Redhawks responded over the next 7 minutes, restoring the 9 point lead. Down 9 with just over 3 to go, Stover hit two jumpers in the lane and Trent McErlane (Greenville, PA/Greenville) hit a three from the corner sending the raucous home crowd into a frenzy. After a time out, the La Roche hit a pull up jumper to go ahead by four and Stover responded, hitting two free throws. The Mounties were unable to get closer than 4 from that point on as a strong defensive effort from La Roche led to a Mountie turnover in the backcourt to ice the game.

Stover led the Mounties offensively, finishing the game with 22 points. Palacio scored 19 and pulled in 9 boards. Imrane Amadou (Cotonou, Benin/Harcum Junior College) had a strong game inside, grabbing 11 rebounds and swatting 4 La Roche shots.

The Mounties' record is now 13-11 with a 10-7 record in conference Play. They are currently in 3rd place in the league. They travel to Buffalo to take on Medaille on Saturday. With a win, the Mounties can clinch their first home playoff game since joining the AMCC in the 2004-05 season.