By Adam Cohen, Athletic Communications Assistant

HIRAM, Ohio -- In a hotly contested North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) matchup, Allegheny was defeated, 89-77, versus Hiram on Wednesday (Jan. 26) and dropped to 6-8, 4-4 NCAC.

Both teams had the chance to take control of the game in the first half. Allegheny trailed 14-8, but overcame the deficit and led, 24-16. Nevertheless, Hiram battled back to tie the game back at 28-28. From that point onward, neither side led by more than two points until Hiram scored four consecutive points to end the frame up, 42-39.

Although the Gators found success with the long ball before halftime, only Brian Roberts, Jr. (Copley, Ohio/Copley) and Jordan Greynolds (Barberton, Ohio/Barberton) went downtown. The two seniors drilled in six three-pointers in 12 attempts.

The two rivals continued to clash in the second half and had 14 lead changes throughout the game. Roberts, Jr., Caden Hinckley (Boise, Idaho/Mt. Lebanon (Pa.)), Preston Turk (New Castle, Pa./Neshannock), and Luke Barker (New Castle, Pa./Struthers (Ohio)) each put Allegheny back out in front. However, Hiram finished the game on a 16-4 run in the last four minutes of regulation to win the contest.

Overall, Roberts, Jr. topped all scorers with 31, his third straight game with 30 or more points. Additionally, Greynolds and Hinckley followed suit with 20 and 10 baskets, respectively. Furthermore, Hinckley racked up eight rebounds, six steals and one block, while Roberts, Jr. garnered six assists – all of which were team highs on the day.

After completing the road trip, Allegheny returns home to the Wise Center and Mullen Arena for the first time in nearly two months to tip-off against Ohio Wesleyan on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. for the Coaches vs. Cancer game.