Photo by Michael Mandigo
By Abby Condon, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna University men’s basketball team suffered a 65-60 loss to Moravian College on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at home in Selinsgrove, Pa.
Despite the loss, junior guard Matt LaCorte, sophomore guard Lukas Yurasits and junior guard Bryce Butler led the effort for the River Hawks, as each player scored 12 points.
Moravian came out strong, hitting a three-pointer and leading the game from the start and throughout the first half of play. The Greyhounds continued to find success and kept the lead, with the River Hawks closing in on the deficit at halftime, though still trailing 32-29.
Scoring first in the third quarter, Susquehanna tallied nine unanswered points, taking the lead and exchanging it throughout the remainder of the third and fourth quarters. With 1:15 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the score was tied 60-60.
Moravian then hit a three-pointer and two free throws to extend their lead to 65-60 with just 27 seconds remaining on the clock. Moravian shot 43% from the field with Susquehanna connecting on 36% of their shots on the game.
LaCorte led the River Hawks in rebounding, pulling down a total of eight and sophomore Dan Frauenheim hauled in five of his own to contribute to Susquehanna’s 38 on the day.
“I believe we are going to be eager to get back on the court to get back to our winning ways,” Frauenheim said following the loss.
And the River Hawks did indeed get back to their winning ways, as the team picked up a 7857 victory over Goucher on Saturday, Feb 1. in Baltimore, Md.
Yurasits came out firing right away, scoring the game’s first basket and going on to score 17 points on the game, with 10 of them coming in the second half of the contest. Butler added 13 points, LaCorte contributed 12 points, and Fraueheim added 10 points to pace the team to a win. Susquehanna also received quite an effort from players coming off of the bench, as 11 different River Hawks scored.
“We expect to win every game no matter what happens,” junior guard Mike Kempski said.
“Everyone on our roster is prepared. We always have the next man up mentality.”
The River Hawks tied the game at 19 before Goucher hit a three-pointer to take the lead. The lead was then exchanged five times during the first half with Susquehanna landing ahead 34-28 before heading into the half.
In the second half, the River Hawks continued their momentum, scoring 44 points which included five three-pointers and a 70% clip from the freethrow line. From then on, Susquehanna maintained their lead and continued their run, outscoring the Gophers 27-9 and surging for a 24-point lead with tough defense playing a large role in the team’s success.
Goucher turned the ball over 27 times compared to Susquehanna’s nine turnovers. Rebounds also played a large role in the win, as senior Zach Knecht grabbed eight boards to contribute to Susquehanna’s total of 35 against Goucher’s 30.
Five regular-season games remain for the River Hawks and the team will next compete against Elizabethtown at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 in Selinsgrove, Pa. Following the game against Elizabethtown, Susquehanna will take on Drew at home on Feb. 12 in Selinsgrove, Pa.