ERIE, Pa. – In a rematch of last year's Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) championship game, the Penn State Behrend men's basketball team was defeated by Hilbert 64-59 in the first semifinal game of the conference tournament. Trevor Stark notched two free-throws with two seconds left to seal the upset victory.
Nick DeLisio (Aliquippa, PA/Central Valley) hit two free-throws with 39 seconds remaining in the game to make it a one possession game with the Lions (23-3) trailing 61-59. Seven seconds later, DeLisio came up with a steal that would give Behrend a chance to force overtime or go for the win. Hilbert (21-6) stood tall getting a stop on defense, forcing Malquan Pullium (Erie, PA/Strong Vincent) to send Stark to the line.
The Lions led at halftime 32-28 but were outscored 36-27 in the second half. Hilbert shot the ball well in the second frame netting 54.2 percent of their tries.
The seesaw battle saw the teams change leads 12 times with eight different tie scores. Hilbert shot 48 percent from the field compared to 30.4 percent for the Lions. Zane Hackett (Brookville, PA/Brookville) led Behrend with 20 points including 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Wes Davic (Grafton, OH/Midview) had strong day in the post bringing in 18 rebounds, seven on the offensive end. He also chipped in eight points.
Malquan Pullium (Erie, PA/Strong Vincent) added 11 points, three rebounds and three assists while Keith Wallace (Erie, PA/Central Tech) pitched in nine points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists.
The Lions will wait to hear if they earn a post-season bid.