BEREA, KENTUCKY — The Mount St. Joseph University men's basketball team defeated Berea College, 69–61, on the road Wednesday evening.
The first half opened with both teams trading baskets over the first five minutes. Berea went on a run to take an eight-point lead with 6:15 remaining in the half. Joe Brand hit a jumper and Mathew Menninger knocked down a three-pointer to cut the Mountaineers' lead to three with 5:24 left. At the 1:10 mark, Michael Loftis hit a three to cut Berea's lead to one, making it 31–30, which the teams took into halftime. Brand led the Mount with 13 first-half points.
The Lions took their first lead of the second half at the 17:31 mark when Cooper Ollis scored on a layup to put MSJ ahead, 37–36. The Mount led for most of the half behind multiple three-pointers from Griffen Derry and strong inside scoring from Matthew Menninger. Berea briefly regained the lead at the 7:56 mark, but at 4:57 Jason Lavender converted two free throws to tie the game at 58–58. On the next possession, Joe Brand scored on a layup, and the Lions took the lead for good, holding on for a 69–61 victory.
The Mount was led by Joe Brand, who scored a career-high 27 points while adding five rebounds and five assists. Mathew Menninger added 16 points.
UP NEXT: The Lions will host Hanover College on Saturday, January 17. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
