Erie, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend men's basketball team won their seventh straight game Saturday afternoon defeating Penn State Altoona, 71-43. Four Lions scored in double-figures and for the second straight game Behrend held their opponent under 50 points.
Wes Davic (Grafton, OH/Midview), Zane Hackett (Brookville, PA/Brookville), Keith Wallace (Erie, PA/Central Tech) and Malquan Pullium (Erie, PA/Strong Vincent) all scored in double-figures in a balanced scoring attack from the Lions (7-0, 3-0 AMCC). Hackett led all scorers with 17 points and also added nine rebounds. Davic notched 13 points and hauled in nine rebounds while Wallace pitched in 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Pullium played well scoring 11 points to go along with six rebounds and two assists.
Behrend caught fire early in the second half after taking a 15-point lead to the locker room. The Lions went on a 15-0 run to start the frame held a comfortable lead the rest of the way.
At the 8:13 mark in the first half, Mike Knoll (Erie, PA/Cathedral Prep) made a layup and completed the three-point play after being fouled that started a 14-2 run for Behrend. The Lions used the momentum swing and closed out the first half with a 15 point advantage. Knoll was a bright spot off the Lions bench and contributed eight points and three rebounds.
The Lions defense played well yet again holding Penn State Altoona (3-7, 0-4 AMCC) to only 29.6 percent shooting. Behrend shot 43.1 percent from the floor and turned the ball over just six times.
Up next for the Lions is a road trip to Staten Island for a tournament starting December 28. Behrend will take on William Paterson in the first round as the Lions look to extend their winning streak. Tip-off time is set for 1 p.m.