Box Score

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – In a see-saw battle, men's basketball (2-1) with the help of Zac Shaeffer's game-high 18 points managed to hold off King's College (2-1) to take a 57-48 non-conference win Tuesday evening in Scandlon Gymnasium. Combined there was eight lead changes between the two teams, who were meeting for the 31st time.

Tuesday's win was far from easy for the red and white, as they had to battle back time and time again, and then hold off a late surge by the Monarchs in the closing minutes. Shaeffer's game best performance was fueled by 6-of-14 shooting from the field, which included a pair of 3-pointers, and 4-of-4 shooting at the line. The senior also managed five boards, eight assists, and two steals in 38 minutes of action.

Junior center Derek Hall recorded 11 points in the win, while also adding eight rebounds to his stat line. Getting their first starts of the season was Cornell Mickens and Kyle Jordan, who combined for 12 points on the night respectively.

For King's, Kevin Conroy finished with 17 points, while Matt Fiorino came off the bench to finish second on the team with 14. Conroy along with Kyle Stackhouse lead the team in rebounding recording a combined 15 boards.

Looking to gain some early momentum, the Lions quickly jumped out to a 4-0 lead on a game-opening lay-up from Hall and a jumper from Shaeffer. However, King's was quick to respond and actually took the lead moments later.

The two teams would then exchange control of the scoreboard at the 14 minute mark. Albright would then go on a 10 point run to take a 20-11 lead with 9:03 left to play in the first. Even with the offensive surge, King's was still very much in Tuesday's contest, as they cut Albright's lead down to one with just over five minutes to play.

The Monarchs would then regain control of the score following a quick run of their own, but it was Albright who would go into the halftime break with the lead. Just as time expired, Shaeffer put-up a long range three that hit it's mark to give the Lions a two-point advantage (35-33).

After the break, King's quickly took over on offense and jumped out to a 37-35 lead in the opening minute. They tried to extend their lead, but Albright had an answer every time. That consistant shooting proved to be the deciding factor as the Lions seized control of the contest. With less than five minutes to play, the red and white jumped out a 57-45 lead. King's would manage just one more field goal and free throw before time expired.

As a team, the Lions second win of the year was fueled by 36.8% shooting from the floor and 73% shooting from the line. The Lions defense was also solid forcing 16 Monarch turnovers and eight blocks. On the glass King's held a slim advantage over the Lions pulling down just one more board then the red and white (38-37).

Men's Basketball will make their home debut next Wednesday when they take on conference rival Alvernia University at 8 p.m. in the Bollman Center. Next Wednesday's meeting will be the first between Albright and Alvernia since the double overtime battle that ended in the 111-110 Albright win.