Hot Shooting Leads Lions Past Altoona

ALTOONA, Pa. - The Penn State Behrend men's basketball improved to 18-2 this season winning their seventh straight game over Penn State Altoona, 71-48 Saturday afternoon. Nick DeLisio (Aliquippa, PA/Central Valley) led the Lions (18-2, 12-1 AMCC) with a double-double including 20 points and 10 assists.

The red-hot Lions picked up where they left off shooting above 50 percent for the second straight game including an impressive 12-for-21 from three-point land.

DeLisio set the tone early draining a three-pointer on the first possession of the game. He made a season-high six long rangers on 10 attempts.

Behrend started the first half strong notching a 10-point lead after a Wes Davic (Grafton, OH/Midview) three-pointer at the 11:37 mark. After two Javon Wilson baskets for Penn State Altoona, (5-15, 2-11 AMCC) the Lions scored eight straight points to take a 27-14 advantage with 9:20 left in the first frame.

The Lions notched 13 straight points in the final 3:55 of the half to take a commanding 44-19 lead into the locker room. Behrend had three players in double-figures in the first half and forced Altoona into 14 turnovers in the first 20 minutes.

The Lions stood tall in the second half and earned their 18th victory of the season and their conference-leading 12th.

Zane Hackett (Brookville, PA/Brookville) continued his strong play finishing behind only DeLisio with 19 points. Davic and Malquan Pullium (Erie, PA/Strong Vincent) both chipped in 13 points. Davic went 5-of-7 from the field including 3-for-3 from behind the arc and added eight rebounds. Pullium shot 5-of-8 from the field and netted 3-of-5 from long distance.

Behrend continues their push for an AMCC regular-season title next Saturday. The Lions take on Franciscan in front of the home fans after recording a 67-59 win on the road earlier this season. Opening tip-off is slated for 4 p.m.