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Penn State Behrend Lions

Coach Niland Reflects on Portugal Excursion

The Penn State Behrend men’s basketball team had an educational and athletic experience on their eight-day, seven-night international trip to Portugal from August 9-16.

Coach Niland Reflects on Portugal Excursion
August 22, 2016

ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend men's basketball team had an educational and athletic experience on their eight-day, seven-night international trip to Portugal from August 9-16. 

"Portugal is a beautiful country with incredible history," said head coach Dave Niland. "Experiencing a different culture can be life changing for our players." 

The Lions competed in two contests while overseas, defeating Libson All-Stars 75-71 thanks to clutch free throws by Dan Wanker to seal the win. Behrend then posted a 75-60 victory over Albufeira Immortal Basketball Club.

"These trips always change our view of the world and also develop an appreciation for what we have here in the United States," said Niland. "It also forces them to bond and rely on each other because of the language barrier and it improves your awareness as well as communication skills. Foreign travel is a big part of Behrend basketball experience, we are already looking forward to our next adventure in 2019."