PITTSBURGH, PA - La Roche had their home opener against conference rival the Penn State-Behrend Lions. The Men's basketball team made sure to cross all of their t's and dot the i's to make sure the fans watched a win happen on their home court. 

The Redhawks came onto the court this afternoon with something to prove. In the first half, two incredibly focused and hard-working teams were on the floor. The first period was one of the lowest-scoring halves to have been seen from either team this season. With four minutes remaining in the period, the score was only 17-16 in favor of La Roche. 

A made 3-point shot from Dom Elliot started the La Roche run that was able to send the team to the locker room with a 10-point lead. It is also important to note that the Redhawk defense stepped up and forced 5 turnovers out of the Lions to allow La Roche a few more scoring opportunities. 

The second half told a different story. The Lion's field goal percentage increased by over 1o%, and with it, Behrend saw their best scoring run of the game with 8. La Roche saw their first points 5 minutes in with a two-point shot from Michael Brooks.

This bucket seemed to have inspired Devon Darrell to do what he does best, create his own scoring opportunities. The senior earned 17 points to lead the team on offense. 

The Redhawks' best scoring run of the game kicked off with Joe Starzynski who hit a quick 2-point shot. Jordan and Grayson followed after with 3-point shots made back to back, and to finish it off, Starzynski hit a dunk assisted by Brooks. 

Grayson and Brooks were also the other two Redhawks to net double digits tonight earning 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Two victories to celebrate for La Roche were hitting 100% of their free throws this afternoon and, holding all but two Behrend players to single digits in points. The final score was 70-53.

La Roche will be entering their next matchup, at Mount Aloysius on Wednesday, with a 2-0 record in conference play.