Upset-minded Bald Eagles Edged by #19 KU

LOCK HAVEN – Thomas Field House was hopping Friday night. Despite 23 points from Amir Hinton (Philadelphia/Abington), and 15 points apiece from Ra’eese Hunt (Upper Marlboro, Md./Riverdale Baptist) and Jihad Barnes (Philadelphia/Philadelphia Electric Charter), the upset-minded Lock Haven University men’s basketball team (6-6, 2-6 PSAC) was edged 83-82 by No. 19 Kutztown University (10-2, 6-2 PSAC) on a last-second layup.

Lock Haven led 82-81 late, but Kutztown’s Anthony Lee got an off-balance layup to fall with just two seconds left in regulation to put the Golden Bears up 83-82. It proved to be the difference in a physical clash that resulted in 39 total fouls, as Barnes’ desperation 3-point attempt from just inside half court was off target at the buzzer.

Hinton was once again one of the game’s biggest stars and he finished with five rebounds and four assists to go along with his game-high 23 points.

The 15-point effort from Barnes marked a career-high. He also had a team-high seven rebounds.

Barnes paced all players in the first half as he finished the opening 20 minutes with 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting from the field, just one away from matching his previous career-high in the opening period.

Hunt finished with 15 points and hit several clutch pullup jumpers in the second.

Brahieme Jackson (Philadelphia/Bishop McDevitt), Tarojae Brake (Coatesville, Pa./Octorara) and Khaleeq Campbell (Chester, Pa./Chester) all finished with seven points apiece.

Craig Slade (Philadelphia/Constitution) added six points and six rebounds.

Kutztown led by three at halftime, 45-42 and despite a dominant second-half performance Lock Haven just couldn’t pull away.

On Monday, January 9, LHU will host Millersville University at 7:30 p.m. The Monday-night matchup is the first of three games next week as Lock Haven also plays at Cheyney (Wednesday) and returns home again on Saturday vs. Shippensburg.