Penn State Behrend defeats Men’s Basketball in conference opener

ERIE, Pa. --- Carlow University men's basketball opened Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference action on the road against Penn State Behrend Wednesday night.

The Lions (5-1, 1-0 AMCC) defeated the Celtics (2-5, 0-1 AMCC), 93-44.

Byron Gaskins sank two of Carlow's four treys to lead the Celtics with 13 points, two steals and an assist on the night.

Nehemiah Brazil went 4 for 5 from the foul line, contributing 11 points and six rebounds in the effort.

The Celtics kept it close through the beginning of the first half, but the Lions pulled away to lead by 22 at intermission.

Behrend turned up its defense in the second half, holding Carlow to just 16 points. The Celtics chipped away a little at the Lions' lead at the start of the half, but Behrend went on a 15-1 run to gain a 42-point advantage midway through.

The Lions shot 51.6 percent (32 for 62) from the field with 14 three-pointers and outrebounded the Celtics, 42-20, on the night.

Behrend scored 26 points off 17 Carlow turnovers and outscored the Celtics, 41-12, off the bench.

Tommy DiRienzo scored a game-high 25 points to lead the Lions, while Shawn Mason hit four treys off the bench to contribute 17 points. Two other Behrend players added double-figures in the win, and the Lions missed just one free throw the entire game.

Carlow hosts Wells (N.Y.) College for a 4 p.m. game Dec. 2.