Box Score CINCINNATI, Ohio-- The Mount St. Joseph men's basketball team defeated Rose-Hulman 73-69 in a tough HCAC matchup. Getting back to .500 in the conference after a tough loss on the road at Anderson.
Mount St. Joseph would with stand an early flurry by Rose-Hulman, who had their first 11 points scored by Nick McGrail. It was a balanced attack early for the Lions as six different players scored in the first 10 minutes of play. They got a big lift from the bench early as Bobby Murdock and Jake Cropper came in and delivered 12 points. The first half would remain close, but the Lions were able to get their biggest lead of the half on a Tyler Manaugh three with :48 seconds to play. They would be able to carry that 39-32 lead into the break.
The second half would see a big run by the Fightin' Engineers would open with 22-6 run to take the a nine point lead. The Lions would immediately go on a 9-0 run of their own, the run was sparked by five points from Murdock. Rose-Hulman would take the lead back, but the Lions would tie the action again on a three from Jordan Henry.
There were three lead changes over the final 5:10 of play. The Lions were able to secure the win as Henry was able to score seven points over the final 1:49, going a 5-6 from the free throw line in the stretch. All that said the game was in the balance with :11 seconds to play with the Lions up 72-69 and Rose-Hulman is possession of the ball. Mount St. Joseph was able to force a Rose-Hulman turnover, as they were never able to even get up a potential game tying shot.
Jordan Henry led the way offensively for the Lions as he scored 18 points and added 5 rebounds. Erik Edwards notched his third double-double of the season for the Lions with 10 points and 11 rebounds, he was also able to add 6 assists in the win.
The Lions have a bit of a break as the team prepares for finals week. They travel next Saturday to Manchester to take on the Spartans.
