PITTSBURGH, Pa. – La Roche men's basketball opened the 2024 season on Friday night against nationally ranked Carnegie Mellon. In the end, the Redhawks battled the #18 Tartans to a 66-64 loss.

It was all La Roche in the opening 7:53 of play, outscoring CMU, 10-0, to hold a commanding lead.

The lead would last until the 3:31 remaining mark, when the Tartans were in the midst of an 18-6 stretch to lead 18-16.

La Roche's response was that of a 7-2 charge to lead 23-20 with 1:43 to go, but CMU would score the final eight points of the half to go up 28-23 at the break.

Out of the break, the Tartans continued their strong surge, opening a 37-27 edge in the first 3:50 of play.

However, the red and black punched back, using an 8-0 run when down 41-35 with 14:22 to go, to take a 43-41 lead with 11:12 remaining.

The teams battled back and forth, and the Redhawks with 3:45 to go opened a 58-54 lead, and with 1:27 left, CMU was back up 62-60.

Both teams traded baskets, but the Tartans would snag a 66-62 lead with six seconds left and despite a score just before the buzzer, La Roche would fall just short.

For the game, the Redhawks finished going 23-for-67 (34.3%) from the floor and 7-for-26 (26.9%) from three. From the foul line, they capitalized on 11 of 12 attempts (91.7%).

On the other side, CMU finished 25-for-62 (40.3%) from the field, 7-for-25 (43.5%) from deep, while going 9-for-11 (81.8%) from the foul line.

The Redhawks had three players in double figures, led by Bryce Epps with 20 points and four rebounds.

Joe Starzynski earned a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Michael Brooks contributed 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.

La Roche continues its three-game road trip to open the season on Monday, Nov. 11 when they travel to face Ohio Wesleyan. Opening tip is slated for 7 p.m.