Hot Shooting Lifts Lions Past Franciscan

STEUBENVILLE, Oh. – Nick DeLisio (Aliquippa, PA/Central Valley) scored 20 points and was 5-of-9 from three-point range in Penn State Behrend's 83-54 victory over Franciscan on Saturday afternoon at Finnegan Fieldhouse.

The Lions' shooting was spectacular – Behrend went 56.9 percent from the field and was 11-of-23 (47.8 percent) from deep.

It was another quick start for the Lions (17-4, 11-3 AMCC), who jumped out to an 11-4 lead early in the contest. But the Barons were able to keep things tight through the first 14 minutes as Franciscan came as close as four (18-14) with 6:01 left in the first.

Behrend responded by outscoring the Barons (5-14, 4-10 AMCC) 15-8 to close the half, taking a 33-22 lead into the break.

The momentum gained at halftime carried over – Behrend started the second half on a decisive 15-3 run. That stretch was keyed by back to back Casey Courneen (Sewickley, PA/Quaker Valley) three pointers.  The senior finished the afternoon with 14 points and is now shooting 41.8 percent from deep on the season.

Wes Davic (Grafton, OH/Midview) scored eight of his 10 points in the second half, helping the Lions outscore Franciscan 50-32 in the final period. The freshman was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and led Behrend with seven rebounds.

Junior Keith Wallace (Erie, PA/Central Tech) had 12 points and five rebounds for the Lions, who have now won 12 of their last 14 games.

Throughout the contest, Behrend was extremely unselfish with the basketball, tallying 22 assists. Wallace and Mike Knoll (Erie, PA/Cathedral Prep) each had five, and Courneen and DeLisio both finished with four.

Not to be outshadowed was the Lions' tenacious defense, which held the Barons to just 54 points. Behrend came into the game fourth in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 58.8 points per game.

The Lions will begin a three-game homestand when they welcome Pitt-Greensburg to the Junker Center on Wednesday, February 12 at 6 p.m.