Anderson, Indiana-The Mount St. Joseph University Men's Basketball program traveled to take on HCAC foe, Anderson. This game served as a rematch from very early in the season, in the previous match the Lions dropped the game by a final of 63-55. The Lions put together a tough fight, staying in the game until the final moments of the game, losing by a final of 84-74.
The Lions got the game started with Alex Totton knocking down a three-pointer, giving the Lions their first lead of the afternoon. The teams continued to trade buckets through the opening moment of the game as Spencer Kinnett knocked down two out of three attempts and Evan Wiehe knocked down a three-ball to leave the game tied at 10-10 around the 14 minute mark.
After started the game in a deadlock, Anderson assembled an 11-4 run, giving them their largest lead of the afternoon at 23-14. Two Scores by Brady Thomas and a three-pointer by Totton got the Lions right back into the game. After another stretch of both teams exchanging buckets, the Lions shrank the Ravens lead to just four. In shrinking this lead the duo of Dayne Gardner and Tanner Clos combined for scores. The closing five minutes of the first half saw the teams go score for score, before closing the half out trailing by a score of 43-38.
The Lions had to battle with several struggles in the start of the second-half, finding themselves trailing by a total of 10 at one point. With their backs firmly against the wall the Lions went on a huge 15-5 run to knot the game up at 61-61. This run began with Thomas scoring four straight points, then a steal by Willard Cluxton set up a layup for Devin Young. Young would then go ahead and score on the next two possessions and hit a free-throw. Then the Lions would earn second chance points as Young claimed an offensive rebound that lead to a Clos score. Gardner then knotted the score with a layup.
Tied at 61 with just 8 minutes to play, the Ravens began to draw separation once again leading at 65-62, before Thomas continued his huge afternoon with a three to knot the game up. A mini-four point run by Young gave the Lions their first lead of the afternoon at 69-66.
Despite gaining their first lead the Ravens quickly responded with a three-pointer on their next trip down the floor. This began a lul in the scoring action that lasted from 5:47 mark through the 3:14 mark when Dayne Gardner had knocked down a free-throw to give the Lions a 70-69 edge. After a made free-throw by Anderson the game was once again tied at 70-70. Clos was able to go to the charity stripe to give the Lions a 72-70 lead. Anderson was able to take the lead once again as they knocked down a three-ball. At this moment the Ravens were able to take complete control down the stretch and walked away with an 84-74 win.
Despite the loss the Lions had several players post impressive stat lines. Young recorded a double double that saw him score 19 points at 10 rebounds. Thomas finished the game with 13 points. Totton was able to stuff the stat sheet with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
With this game behind the Lions they move their attentions to Defiance. This game will take place on Wednesday January 26 at the Harrington Center. This game is set to tip-off at 7:30 PM. For continued coverage of this game and all other MSJ Sports continue to follow msjlions.com
