LORETTO, Pa. – The Susquehanna University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in impressive fashion Friday night, knocking off Saint Francis University 101-93 at DeGol Arena. The River Hawks showcased their offensive firepower with five players scoring in double figures, shooting 56.3 percent from the floor and surpassing the 100-point mark in their season opener.
Susquehanna, the reigning Landmark Conference Tournament champions, got its title-defense season off to a winning start behind a balanced offensive effort and a strong second-half performance.
How It Went Down
- The River Hawks wasted little time getting their offense going, as Bryce Rollerson opened the scoring with a layup just 21 seconds into the contest off an assist from KJ Carson. Saint Francis responded with a pair of baskets to take an early 4-2 advantage before Carson Rhodes and Jovany Philistin traded baskets to even the score at 4-4.
- Both teams continued to exchange baskets throughout the opening minutes, with neither side able to establish significant separation. Susquehanna began to find its rhythm offensively midway through the first half, using contributions throughout the lineup to build some breathing room.
- Garrett Hemingway connected on a layup off a Jared Strand assist to put the River Hawks ahead 20-17. Bryce Rollerson followed with a layup to extend the advantage, and after Saint Francis answered, Rollerson converted a pair of free throws to make it 24-19.
- Mikey Cumbo then provided a spark off the bench, scoring on a layup before adding another basket in the paint. His offensive production helped Susquehanna maintain its advantage as the Red Flash continued to apply pressure.
- The River Hawks received additional contributions from Logan Shaw and Logan Rhoades, who each found opportunities around the basket. Rhoades converted a layup off a Cumbo assist to push the lead to 34-29, while Cumbo continued to attack the paint to keep the Saint Francis defense occupied.
- Susquehanna carried a 45-40 advantage into halftime after shooting 51.4 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes.
- The River Hawks came out of the break with even more offensive momentum. Seamus Rogers opened the second half with a three-pointer off a Rollerson assist, immediately extending the lead to eight. Rollerson followed with a pair of free throws, and Rogers added another basket in the paint after a defensive steal to push the advantage to 52-42.
- Shaw continued the offensive surge with a free throw, giving Susquehanna its largest lead to that point at 53-42. The River Hawks' ability to capitalize on defensive stops and turn them into scoring opportunities allowed them to maintain control as the second half progressed.
- Saint Francis continued to battle and looked to close the gap, but Susquehanna consistently answered with timely baskets and strong offensive execution. The River Hawks shot an impressive 62.1 percent from the field in the second half, connecting on 18-of-29 attempts while knocking down five three-pointers.
- Susquehanna's offensive balance proved to be the difference down the stretch. With contributions from its starters and bench, the River Hawks maintained their advantage and reached the century mark before closing out the eight-point road victory, beginning the season 1-0.
Inside the Box Score
- Bryce Rollerson led the starting lineup with 21 points, adding 10 rebounds for a double-double. He also dished out five assists and recorded two steals while playing all 40 minutes.
- Mikey Cumbo led all River Hawks with 22 points off the bench, shooting an efficient 8-of-12 from the floor and a perfect 5-of-5 at the free-throw line. He added four rebounds.
- KJ Carson also finished with 21 points, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He contributed seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
- Logan Shaw added 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while collecting six rebounds, five assists and a block.
- Seamus Rogers contributed eight points and five rebounds, connecting on a three-pointer to open the second half.
- Logan Rhoades finished with six points and four assists, while Garett Hemingway added five points and five assists.
- Jared Strand chipped in three points, four assists and four rebounds, while Kevan Kamminga added two points and four assists.
- As a team, Susquehanna shot 56.3 percent (36-of-64) from the floor, including 47.1 percent (8-of-17) from three-point range. The River Hawks also converted 77.8 percent (21-of-27) of their free throws.
- Susquehanna finished with a 44-38 advantage in rebounding, 29 assists and 36 bench points. The River Hawks also scored 50 points in the paint, demonstrating their ability to attack inside while complementing their perimeter shooting.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna returns home next weekend to host the Mike Scheib '78 Memorial Tournament at Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium. The River Hawks will take to the court Friday, November 13, at 8 p.m. against Kean University.
