HAVERFORD, PA - The 2024-25 edition of Susquehanna men's basketball began gloriously at the expense of Haverford on the Fords' home court Saturday in a 95-73 victory. Tied at 29-29 early with five minutes left in the first half, the River Hawks began to put some distance by outscoring their hosts two-fold for a 20-10 run to close out the half with a 49-39 lead. Susquehanna continued to pour it on in the second as they went deep into their bench to drop 64 bench points out of their 95 in a 95-73 victory.

The River Hawks' shooting remained consistent as they leveled out at 54.0 percent shooting (34-for-63), including 10-of-24 on 3-point shooting and marking 17-of-23 free throws. Their bench scoring proved to be a vital component of the efficient long-range shooting as Michael Pirone came off the pine to drill all three of his 3-point attempts towards a game-high 18 points. Cooper Haberern also made three triples off the bench as he produced the second-highest team scoring total with 13 points. Newcomer Luke Fryer knocked down a pair of threes to go with ten points on the day, while starter Marcus Mitchell was the orange and maroon's fourth scorer in double digits with 11 in 20 minutes of action. Forward Audric Washington led the game with 11 rebounds and nearly amassing a double-double with nine points. Jackson Van Wagener and Billy Anderson each had nine points, both with four made field goals and a perfect 4-for-4 from Anderson as he added a free throw. Van Wagener had one three on the night. Allen Cieslak posted a noteworthy eight points with seven assists and six rebounds, as Haberern also added six boards. 

On the glass Susquehanna outrebounded Haverford 45-32, including 14 offensive rebounds that produced a 15-8 lead in second-chance points. The River Hawks were also skillful taking 15 turnovers from Haverford for 14 points off turnovers and nine steals, including three from Fryer. SU kept it up under the basket with a 46-34 lead in points in the paint. Emezie Egeonu contributed to this cause as he was a perfect 3-for-3 on the night with six points, while adding one block. Haberern, Cieslak, and Mitchell each contributed two steals. 

Head coach Frank Marcinek's team have all week this week to prepare for their annual Tipoff Tournament, which opens Friday, Nov. 15 as the River Hawks welcome to Houts Gymnasium King's (Pa.), Marymount, and Penn State Brandywine. Susquehanna will play King's Friday at 8 p.m., with the consolation and championships occurring Saturday afternoon.