SELINSGROVE, PA. – The Susquehanna University men's basketball team began their home season Friday night in O.W. Houts Gymnasium with their matchup against Kean in their first-round game of the Mike Scheib '78 Tipoff Tournament. Despite runs from both sides, the Cougars pulled away with a 78-69 win. The River Hawks (1-1) received balanced scoring from their lineup, with four players reaching double figures, but Kean (3-0) used a strong offensive performance to secure the nine-point victory.
Susquehanna will take on SUNY Geneseo in the first game of the final day of the tournament Saturday at 1 p.m., while Kean advances to the championship game against Wesleyan at 3 p.m. Wesleyan defeated SUNY Geneseo in their matchup earlier Friday night, 67-64.
How It Went Down
- Kean opened the contest with an early advantage, taking a 38-31 lead into halftime. Susquehanna stayed within striking distance throughout the opening 20 minutes, getting contributions from Logan Shaw, Seamus Rogers and Bryce Rollerson to keep the River Hawks in contention.
- Shaw led Susquehanna's first-half effort, while Rogers and Rollerson provided additional scoring options as the River Hawks looked to close the gap before the break.
- Susquehanna continued to compete in the second half, putting together a 38-point offensive effort. The River Hawks found production from both their starting lineup and bench, with Mikey Cumbo providing an important spark off the bench.
- However, Kean answered with 40 second-half points to maintain its advantage. Adam Silas proved particularly difficult to contain, finishing with a game-high 28 points, including five three-pointers. Malachi Jeffers-Viera added 20 points to give the Cougars a formidable scoring combination.
- Despite the River Hawks' offensive contributions and continued effort, Kean maintained its lead down the stretch to earn the 78-69 victory.
- Shaw paced the River Hawks with 13 points, shooting 4-of-10 from the field and connecting on two three-pointers. He also contributed five rebounds, five assists and a steal, providing a well-rounded performance on both ends of the floor.
- Rogers followed with 12 points and seven rebounds, knocking down two three-pointers while adding an assist and a steal. Rollerson and Cumbo each finished with 10 points to round out Susquehanna's double-digit scorers.
- Cumbo was particularly efficient off the bench, shooting 4-of-7 from the floor while adding five rebounds, two assists and a steal in 22 minutes.
- The River Hawks also received seven points apiece from KJ Carson and Kevan Kamminga. Kamminga dished out a team-high five assists, matching Shaw for the team lead.
Inside the Box Score
- Logan Shaw led Susquehanna with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.
- Seamus Rogers added 12 points and seven rebounds.
- Bryce Rollerson recorded 10 points and eight rebounds.
- Mikey Cumbo contributed 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.
- Kevan Kamminga distributed five assists and scored seven points.
- Susquehanna outrebounded Kean 42-37, including a 13-8 advantage on the offensive glass.
- The River Hawks finished with 24 assists on 25 made field goals.
- Susquehanna's bench accounted for 20 points.
- Kean shot 46.4 percent from the field, compared to 38.5 percent for Susquehanna.
- The Cougars capitalized on turnovers, scoring 18 points off turnovers compared to six for the River Hawks.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna continues play in the Mike Scheib '78 Memorial Tournament on Saturday, November 14, at O.W. Houts Gymnasium against SUNY Geneseo, with a 1 p.m. tipoff.
