BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Penn State Behrend men's basketball team used a strong offensive outburst to upend D'Youville, 80-52 in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) action on Wednesday night.
Russ Conley (Transfer, PA/Reynolds) netted 25 points helping the Lions score a season-high 80 en route to handing the Spartans their first AMCC loss.
Behrend (4-7. 3-2 AMCC) got out to a fast start, doubling up D'Youville, 22-11 through the first 13 minutes. The Lions held the lead for all but two minutes in the opening stanza, using stingy defense to hold the Spartans to just 20.6 percent shooting from the floor. Behrend took a 36-16 halftime lead into the locker room.
With the second half underway, the Lions continued to shoot the ball well. Nick Thorsen (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) hit a three to get Behrend going while Conley scored six straight points for the Lions.
For most of the half, the two teams traded baskets with Behrend answering every attempt by the Spartans. It wasn't until the 8:48 mark where D'Youville came within 10. Over the next three minutes though, the Lions went on a 10-1 run to regain control and secure the victory.
Conley nearly missed a double-double, pulling down a team-high nine rebounds. Pat St. Andrews (State College, PA/State College) contributed 12 points off the bench.
Behrend connected on a season-high nine threes with Adam Palcic (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Central Catholic) and St. Andrews hitting two each.
The Lions shot a season best 50.0 percent from the floor while hitting 19 from the charity stripe.
Behrend will be back in action on Saturday. The Lions will travel to Pitt-Greensburg. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.