Hot Shooting Sinks Lions

BUFFALO, NY - The Medaille Mavericks shot nearly 70 percent from the floor en route to defeating the Penn State Behrend men's basketball team 89-72 on Thursday night in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) action.

The Mavericks connected on 16 threes and had five players score in double figures to keep hold of first place in the AMCC.

The Lions (7-9, 6-4 AMCC) started the game strong, hitting three straight shots and two free throws early.  However, Behrend would go cold over the next four minutes, allowing Medaille to get out to a 17-9 lead.

With six minutes to play, the Lions were able to get within five after Adam Palcic (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Central Catholic) netted a layup.  The Mavericks had an answer though, ending the first half the way they started it with a 17-9 run.  Medaille took a 45-32 halftime lead.

As the second half began, Russ Conley (Transfer, PA/Reynolds) kept Behrend in it with six straight points.  After the two teams traded baskets, Nick DeLisio (Aliquippa, PA/Central Valley) hit three straight shots of his own.

The theme of the night though was the Mavericks answer for every Lions run, slowing building on their lead.  After Phil Maiarana and Angel Flores hit back to back threes, DeLisio once again hit three straight shots.  It was too little too late though as Medaille ended the game with two more threes to defeat Behrend.

The Lions shot a season best 56.5 percent from the floor but could not overcome the 16 triples made by the Mavericks.

DeLisio led all scores with 18 points while Conley chipped in 17.  Palcic also scored in double figures with 10.

Behrend will be back in action on Saturday to host Penn State Altoona.  Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.