CRESSON, Pa. -- The Mount Aloysius basketball programs both suffered a lost to Penn State Altoona this Tuesday, Nov 26, in closely contested conference openers. 

Men's Game

The Mountie men opened with some interior difficulties against the Lions (4-3, 1-0 AMCC), finding most inside offense difficult against the visitor's post presence. Adjusting their strategy, the Mounties would find success shooting from deep, maintaining a 42% three point rate on 19 shots. Staying strong on defense, the Mounties would limit the Lion's shooting, taking a one point lead into halftime. The Mountie first half effort was led by forward De'Von Haggans (Harrisburg, PA, Central Dauphin) and guard Will Hagwood (Willowick, Ohio, South), who would combine for 44 of the Mounties' 86 points in the game. Haggans would also lead the team in rebounding, snagging 14 boards and adding in four assists. 

Altoona would come out of the break with renewed intensity, cutting into the Mounties' shooting efficiency while hitting half of their shots from the field. Despite this increased pressure, the Mounties would stay in the game thanks to the hot hand of guard Ronnie McClain (Canton, Ohio, McKinley), who would ignite for 17 points in the second, hitting 5 of 6 threes across the final twenty minutes of action. Despite the instant offense from McClain, the Mounties would be unable to maintain a lead, falling to the visitors 86-90. 

Women's Game

The Mountie women would see three neck-and-neck quarters against the Lions (3-4, 1-0 AMCC), with the game ultimately decided by a hot shooting streak coming out of halftime. The first half would see the teams separated by just a possession, with the Mounties holding their opponents to sub-40% shooting across the opening twenty minutes. Despite going 0-4 from deep in the first quarter, the Mounties would hit 5-11 from three in the second, with freshman guard Mariah Hall (New Enterprise, Pa., Northern Bedford) going 2-2 in the quarter.

The third quarter would prove to be the difference maker, with the Lions jumping to 50% / 60% / 77% shooting splits. Outscored by nine in the quarter, the Mounties looked to make up ground in the fourth, but consistent turnover problems would stymie their efforts. The Mounties would end with 23 turnovers, while the Lions would only commit nine, tipping shot attempts in favor of the visitors. The Lions would earn fourteen more points on turnovers than the Mounties across the full 40 minutes of play. Cutting the lead to seven in the final seconds of the game, a final three attempt would fall short, ending the game in a 61-68 loss for the hosts. 

Up Next

The Mountie basketball teams take on La Roche University for another conference match up this Wednesday, Dec 4. The Redhawk men enter the contest 2-5 this season, coming off a 95-81 win against Bluffton. The Redhawk women enter the contest 3-2 overall, coming off a 62-70 loss to #19 Baldwin Wallace.