Cresson, Pa. -- Mount Aloysius men's basketball fell to the visiting Pitt-Bradford Panthers in Saturday, December 2nd's AMCC matchup. 

Opting for a perimeter focused approach against the Panthers' size and post defense, the Mounties would play shootout style basketball against their opponents, shooting almost twice as many three-pointers compared to their normal rate. Mount Aloysius would fall behind early, down 10 after an opening five minutes of play in which Pitt-Bradford would go 3-4 from behind the arc. Guards Will Hagwood (Willowick, Oh., South) and Ronnie McClain (Canton, Ohio, McKinley) would lead the charge back for the Mounties, combining for 27 first half points and bringing the hosts within two points going into the second. McClain's midrange success was bolstered by his passing, as he would record the assist on three of Hagwood's four made threes in the first. 

Although both guards continued their strong showings into the second, junior forward De'Von Haggans (Harrisburg, PA, Central Dauphin) found success inside to help the Mounties take a seven point lead into the final ten minutes of action. Haggans would end with 21 points and 9 rebounds after fouling out late in the game.

Ultimately, turnovers and fouls would be the Mounties downfall; it seemed every time Mount Aloysius's momentum was about to turn unstoppable, an inopportune call or turnover would slow the hosts down. The Mounties would end with 24 turnovers, doubling their opponent's count in the category, while the Panthers would earn 33 points on those chances. Both teams shot on similar efficiency from both inside and outside the arc, but the Panther's ball security would ensure 11 more shot attempts than the hosts, turning the tide in their favor as the game came to a close. A miracle three-pointer late in the shot clock would put away the game for Pitt-Bradford, who would walk out with the 85-78 victory. 

Mount Aloysius men's basketball travels to Penn State Altoona this Wednesday, December 6th. Penn State Altoona enters the game 2-4 on the season, coming off a 89-96 overtime loss to Hilbert.