RICHMOND, INDIANA — The Mount St. Joseph University men's basketball team defeated Earlham College on Saturday afternoon in Richmond, 62–59. With the win, the Mount sits atop the HCAC standings alongside two other teams, all holding 11–4 records.
Earlham came out strong, leading by as many as 10 points eight minutes into the game. The Lions responded with a 12–0 run over the next five minutes, capped by a three-pointer from Griffen Derry to give the Mount a 22–20 lead. Michael Loftis scored 9 of the Lions' final 11 points of the first half, helping MSJ take a 33–30 advantage into halftime. The Mount was led by Loftis and Matthew Menninger, who each scored 10 first-half points.
The Mount carried that momentum out of the locker room, opening the second half on a 7–0 run. Loftis scored 5 of those 7 points, pushing the Lions' lead into double digits. The Quakers chipped away over the next 14 minutes, cutting the deficit to 1, 59–58, with 2:58 remaining. With 1:48 left, Joe Brand converted a key layup to give the Lions a three-point lead at 61–58. Both teams added a free throw in the closing seconds, and the Mount secured the 62–59 victory. Loftis led MSJ in the second half with 14 points.
The Lions were propelled by Michael Loftis, who posted a career- and season-high 24 points. Matthew Menninger added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Joe Brand finished with7 points and 7 rebounds.
UP NEXT: The Lions travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, to face Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Wednesday, February 11. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
