CINCINNATI, OHIO — The Mount St. Joseph University men's basketball team fell to John Carroll, 106–88, in their first game of the Lauren Hill Tip-Off Classic.
In the first half, John Carroll came out hot, starting the game on an 8–0 run. The Mount then settled in and went back and forth with the Blue Streaks for the remainder of the half. The Lions went up by six at the 9:50 mark off back-to-back threes from Cooper Ollis. Collin Buck knocked down a three off a pass from Matthew Menninger at the 6:48 mark, giving the Mount their largest lead of the half at 13.
John Carroll regained a one-point lead with 2:49 left in the half, and the teams traded baskets in the final minutes. With one second remaining, Cooper Ollis finished a layup to send the Lions into halftime up 50–49. Jay Bilton ended the first half with 9 points.
The second half belonged entirely to John Carroll, as the Blue Streaks outscored the Lions 57–38. John Carroll took the lead at the 18:14 mark and never looked back, growing their advantage to as many as 20 points, ultimately defeating the Lions 106–88. Joe Brand and Cooper Ollis each scored 7 points for the Mount in the second half.
The Lions were led by Jason Lavender and Cooper Ollis, who both finished with 15 points. Jay Bilton and Collin Buck each added 12 points.
UP NEXT: The Lions will host Mount Union on Sunday, November 23, at 2:00 PM in the second day of the Lauren Hill Tip-Off Classic.
