SCRANTON, PA (February 1, 2023) -- The Susquehanna University men's basketball team put five players in double-figures Wednesday at the University of Scranton, but the host Royals held off the River Hawks for an 83-78 victory from the John Long Center in Landmark Conference play. 

The River Hawks burst out of the gates over the first three minutes of the contest, forcing a 30-second timeout following a 9-0 run by Susquehanna capped by a Quincy Haughton three-pointer. After Scranton came back to tie the game at 15, SU built its lead back up to seven with 9:46 left in the opening frame on a Howie Rankine, Jr. bucket. 

Susquehanna led the rest of the first half until Scranton (14-6, 6-3 Landmark) finished the stanza on a 6-0 run to take its first lead going into the break on a jumper by Tahaj Parland. The teams would exchange leads multiple times in the opening minutes of the second half, but neither team would lead by more than five as the Royals took a 57-52 lead with 13:57 to play. 

The hosts would continue to lead until 5:38 to go in regulation, as first-year Audric Washington finished a three-point play to take a 71-69 lead. On the next possession, Scranton's Jackson Danzig threw down a dunk and followed with a jumper to put Scranton back up by two with four minutes to go. Parland would continue to the run to make it 75-71, and the Royals took a six-point edge at 81-75 to play on Will McLoughlin free throws. 

On the next possession, Rankine, Jr. drilled a three-pointer to make it a three-point game at 81-78 with a minute to go. Down the stretch, Scranton missed four free throws but two potential tying three-pointers by SU would not fall and two free throws with five seconds left sealed the win for the home team. 

Rankine, Jr. finished with a team-high 21 points, adding 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals. It was Rankine, Jr.'s second career double-double, as he shot 9-of-18 on the game. Haughton tallied 17 points as well, while first-year Brandon Lavitt tallied 14 points and seven rebounds. First-years Jackson Van Wagener and Audric Washington each posted 10 points as well. 

Danzig finished with a game-high 32 points, making 13-of-17 from the floor including five of his eight three-pointers. McLoughlin posted 14 points, while Parland and EJ Matthews-Spratley each posted 11 points in the win. Scranton finished with a 12-2 edge in fast break points. 

Susquehanna (11-9, 6-3 Landmark) will host Drew University Saturday, February 4 at 4 p.m. in O.W. Houts Gymnasium for Alumni Day.