Cresson, PA -- The Mount Aloysius men's basketball program was defeated by Penn State Behrend (7-5, 2-1 AMCC) this Saturday, Jan 4. Guard Will Hagwood (Willowick, Ohio, South) would lead the Mounties in points, putting up 19 on 50% shooting from behind the arc. 

The first half would see meticulous offense from the visitors, steadily carving out a double-digit lead with long possessions and efficient shooting. Behrend would shoot 40% from deep for the half, finding openings in the Mounties perimeter defense while avoiding interior play. The Mounties would keep pace with Behrend on shooting efficiency from three, but on only half as many attempts. The long shots generated long rebounds, and Behrend would extend possessions with offensive boards, grabbing six more than the Mounties for the game. 

Facing a ten point deficit coming out of halftime, the Mounties would solidify on the perimeter, limiting good looks for their opponent. Behrend would shoot 5% less efficiently from behind the arc in the second, but still extend their lead, going up 15 with thirteen minutes left to play. Fighting back with increased offensive focus, the Mounties would attack the inside and increase their percentages from outside, going 5-9 from deep including a step-back three from Hagwood to put the Mounties within one of the visitors with three minutes left to play. Despite the late game offensive heroics, the Mountie defense would still struggle to put together stops, ending the game in a seven point loss for the hosts. 

The Mountie men return to action on the road this Monday, Jan 6, against the Gwynedd Mercy Griffins. The Griffins enter the contest undefeated this season with a 10-0 record, coming off a 105-70 win over Saint Elizabeth University.