Cresson, Pa. -- Mount Aloysius men's basketball defeated the Wells College Express this Wednesday, February 7th. 

The Mounties opened well, putting together a solid ten minutes of team basketball on both ends of the court. Finding success from both inside and deep, the hosts jumped out to a 10 point lead, before the Express would roar back, flipping the score to a 1 point Wells advantage following some aggressive defense and effective shooting. Despite the quick jolt, the Mounties regrouped, ending the first with a 6 point lead and steady defensive momentum. 

The Mounties solid play seemed poised to continue throughout the second, with the first five minutes of the half pushing the Mountie lead to 13. However, difficulty breaking the Express press and troubles defending Wells' pick and rolls put the Mounties on their back foot, pushing the visitors up six with nine minutes to play as the hosts scrambled. 

Forward Reggie Priah (Cleveland, Ohio, Euclid) and guard Will Hagwood (Willowick, Ohio, South) came to the Mountie's rescue, combining for 23 of their team's 49 second half points. The two found success throughout the game at similar rates; Priah would end with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists, while Hagwood would finish with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Both men added 2 steals, while shooting 50% and 53% respectively. Attacking the paint, Priah and Hagwood would rebound aggressively and push forward, setting up teammates early in the shot clock. It took just 4 minutes of game time for the Mounties to flip the score to a six point host lead, closing the game from there with solid defense and consistent offensive output. 

The Mountie's second half defensive struggles was evident from their opponents' shooting, as Wells would mark a 24% increase in efficiency after halftime. Despite shooting 52% from deep, rebounds would help seal Wells's fate, as the Express grabbed just 4 offensive rebounds while the Mounties earned 17 second chance looks. 

Mount Aloysius men's basketball takes on Alfred State at home this Saturday, February 10th. The Pioneers enter the contest 11-10 on the year and 9-5 in conference, coming off an 81-72 win over Penn State Altoona.