Men's Basketball Rings in the New Year with
Win Over Fredonia
The
Behrend men's basketball team defeated visiting Fredonia State 38-31 on
Saturday, January 5 in the Junker Center. The win was the first action for
the blue and white since the squad went 1-1 at the Cru Crothall Holiday
Classic in Belton, Texas on December 28 and 29.
In the first half the rims in the Junker Center were colder than the
temperature outside as the each team got off to a slow start. The
score was 10-6 in favor of Fredonia after ten minutes of play before
Fredonia went on a 10-3 run to open the lead to 20-9. A half-court
buzzer beater by Adam Kaiser (Erie/Cathedral Prep) cut the lead to eight but
Fredonia led at the break 20-12. Fredonia shot 45% in the first half
while Behrend connected on just 26% from the field.
In the second half Behrend cranked up the defense and it was Fredonia's turn
to go cold as the blue and white held the Blue Devils to just 11 second half
points. Behrend trailed 27-17 with ten minutes to play before the
Behrend Lions finished the game with a 21-4 run. Kaiser led all
scorers with 11 points including three baskets from long-range. Dan
Zeigler (Johnsonburg/Johnsonburg) added six points and seven rebounds while
Justin Kovac (Venetia/Peters Township) scored five points to go along with
two assists.
Fredonia was led by Scott Valenta's seven points, while Kyle Gordon added
five points and six rebounds.
Behrend plays its next game in the Junker Center on Wednesday, January 9 at 8:00 p.m.
against Allegheny College.