Freshman forward Dominic Dunn had 17 points while three other players scored in double figures as the Susquehanna University Men's Basketball team forced 17 turnovers and scored 52 points in the second half to defeat Vassar College 80-74 Saturday afternoon at O.W. Houts Gymnasium in Selinsgrove.

The first half was close from start to finish, as the River Hawks (4-3) worked hard to contain Vassar's (3-4) Alex Seff, who scored 19 points in the opening period.

Trailing 7-2, a three-pointer by Tyler Hoagland and a bucket by Bryce Butler quickly evened the game up at seven.

Wes Simons made a basket to bring the River Hawks within three points at 16-13, but Seff scored five straight points to give Vassar a 21-16 lead.

Susquehanna continued to stay within reach after three-pointers by Dunn and Jaden Martin, but again, Vassar went on a run to take a 28-19 lead, which proved to be its largest advantage of the game.

Two baskets by Lukas Yurasits and a layup in the closing seconds by Zach Knecht closed the deficit to 33-28 at the half.

The River Hawks set the tone early in the second half, as Seth Callahan, Hoagland and Knecht all made shots to eventually tie the game at 35.

Vassar would retake the lead and extend it to 43-37, but Susquehanna made a push and took the lead on a Callahan free throw at 44-43.

The lead would change hands several times over the middle portion of the second half and the River Hawks used a key 8-0 stretch to take the lead for good. In that stretch, the defense went to a full-court press and forced several turnovers. Butler had two important steals while Callahan and Dunn scored several huge buckets and the team led 54-47 at the 11:41 mark.

The remainder of the game saw the two sides trade baskets, with the lead staying between seven points and one point for Susquehanna.

Vassar closed to within 63-62 and 65-64, but Butler nailed two three pointers sandwiched around a three-pointer by Dunn and the team got some much needed breathing room in the final minutes.

Veterans Knecht, Hoagland, and Callahan sunk key free throws down the stretch and the River Hawks won a tight one, 80-74.

Following Dunn, Butler (15), Callahan (14) and Knecht (11) all scored in double figures for Susquehanna while Butler led the rebounding effort with nine. Callahan also led the team with six assists.

The River Hawks continue non-conference play when they take on Gwynedd Mercy in the first leg of the FNCB Bank Monarch Classic on Saturday, December 15^th. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.