Lions’ Defense Clamps Down in AMCC Opener

ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend men's basketball team allowed only 10 field goals, including just two in the second half, en route to a 58-41 victory against Pitt-Bradford in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) opener for both teams.

The Lions (3-1, 1-0 AMCC) held the Panthers to 20 percent shooting in the second half and forced 18 turnovers for their third win of the year.

In a tight first half that saw nine lead changes, neither team was able to get much going on offense.  Despite connecting on just three of eight free throws, Behrend held a 26-25 lead at the break.

Within the first five minutes of the second half, the momentum swung in favor of the Lions.  Casey Courneen (Sewickley, PA/Quaker Valley) led the way, erupting for 11 of Behrend's first 13 second-half points.  Pat St. Andrews (State College, PA/State College) got in on the action, nailing two from beyond the arc and suddenly the Lions were up by 11.

After a made Bradford free throw, Russ Conley (Transfer, PA/Reynolds) slammed home a thunderous dunk that ignited the crowd.  Courneen followed with two of his own from the charity stripe to cap a 15-2 Behrend run.

With a 14-point lead and less than five minutes to play, the Lions' defense continued to pressure the Panthers.  Behrend allowed only five points down the stretch to earn the 17-point win.

Defense was the name of the game in the Junker Center with the Lions not allowing a field goal in the final 14:49.  Coming into the game, Pitt-Bradford had two players scoring in double figures but tonight not one Panther scored more than seven.

Courneen led the offensive attack with 16 points.  Conley chipped in 15 and tallied eight rebounds.  Adam Palcic (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Central Catholic) pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds for Behrend.

The Lions will be back in action on Saturday at Pitt-Greensburg.  Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.