GREENSBURG, Pa. –A jumper by Chris Saltzman in the final seconds of an intense match-up gave Behrend a much needed lift, as the men would go on to beat Pitt-Greensburg in conference play 67-65, Saturday.
Saltzman only needed 15 points to reach the prestigious 1,000-point club. The senior forward netted an extra 12 for safe measure and ended the game with 27 for the Lions (18-2, 13-1 AMCC).
The Bobcats (7-14, were lead by David Palmer and Josh Kucenic. Palmer shot 10-of-16 from the field for a total of 24 points while Kucenic tallied 22 after going 7-for-7 at the charity stripe.
Behrend dominated the opening 15 minutes of the first half mounting a 32-14 lead with 6:06 on the clock. Pitt-Greensburg, refusing to give up, battled back into the game by ending the half on a 16-7 run thanks to contributions from five different players. The Lions would head into the lockerroom clinging to a 39-31 lead.
The Bobcats's Kucenic, scored 12 points in a five minute stretch to knot the game at 63-all with 2:52 remaining. Larry Bigante followed his teammate by hitting a clutch jumper which gave Pitt-Greensburg a two-point margin over Behrend, 65-63 (1:11).
With 56 seconds remaining Justin Kovac netted a much needed free throw that put the Lions down one, 64-65. Needing a score, head coach Dave Niland went to Saltzman who had the hot hand. The play resulted in a made jumper and gave Behrend the go ahead basket. The men held on in the final seconds to win 67-65.
Behrend will close out their three-game road trip at La Roche, Monday. The tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. immediately following the women's game at 6 p.m.
