Clutch Free Throws Lead Behrend Over Muskingum

ERIE, Pa. – Dan Simpson made a steal with a two-point lead and 3.8 seconds left and then went 2-for-2 at the line to seal the deal for the Penn State men's basketball team in a 60-56 victory over Muskingum, Friday.

Russ Conley went a perfect 4-for-4 in the final two minutes from the charity stripe to help the Lions (2-0) keep the Muskies (0-1) at bay to advance to the championship game tomorrow. Conley also scored a game high 19 points and seven rebounds.

Kyle Clinedinst recorded a double-double with 16 points and a game-best 14 boards. He also dished out a game-high four assists for the Muskies.

Chris Tamasy's three-point play followed by a Nick Thorson's triple gave Behrend their largest lead with 5:27 left in the second half. Over the next three minutes Muskingum went on a 10-0 run to tie the game at 51-all. Clinedinst tallied four points and Logan Scott added a layup and a steal for the Muskies.

Conley and Simpson took over at the line shooting a combined 6-6 to help the Lions post their second straight win.

In the first half Chris Saltzman and Simpson each tallied five points to push the Behrend lead to 20-5 at the 9:16 mark. Muskingum then clawed back with a commanding 18-2 run to take its first lead of the game at 23-22. Conley's final five points of the half sent Behrend into the locker room with a two point lead.

Behrend will face Ithaca in the championship game at 3 p.m.