LATROBE, Pa. – The Allegheny men's basketball team held a halftime lead at Saint Vincent Wednesday (Jan. 3), but was unable to overcome a second half surge by the Bearcats, falling 86-74 in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) play.
 
The Bearcats, who entered the game undefeated, held an early 9-6 lead, but a 7-0 run by the Gators gave them the lead six minutes in. A three pointer by James Sitter (Erie, Pa./Fairview) gave Allegheny a five point lead at 18-13 before Saint Vincent answered with five straight points to tie the game up. Andre Wilder (Beaver Falls, Pa./Lincoln Park) responded for the Gators with five straight points before the Bearcats pulled within a point. Ryan Lang (Sarver, Pa./Knoch) then scored five straight points to give Allegheny a 28-22 lead. In the final minutes of the half, the lead grew to as much as seven as the Gators went into the locker room ahead 41-36.
 
Wilder led the team with 14 points in the opening half with seven rebounds and a pair of blocks. Lang was also in double digits with 13 points. Luke Barker (New Castle, Pa./Struthers (Ohio)) had six points and four assists. As a team, the Gators shot 51.6% from the field (16-of-31) including four-of-seven from three.
 
A traditional three-point play converted by Isaiah Portis (Medina, Ohio/Norwayne) gave Allegheny the first double-digit lead of the game at 50-40. However, the Bearcats would go on a 9-0 run to bring the score within one. After trading baskets, the Bearcats took the lead at 55-54.
 
The teams found themselves tied at 57 apiece, but the Bearcats went on another 9-0 run to take a 66-57 lead with seven minutes left to play. 
 
Saint Vincent maintained that lead the rest of the way as they captured the conference win.
 
Inside the Box

• Lang led the Gators with 19 points with five rebounds and two assists.
• Barker ended the game with 17 points, seven rebounds and a team-high five rebounds.
• Wilder posted a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. He also blocked three shots.
• Mike Noonan (Latrobe, Pa./Greater Latrobe) finished with eight points and six rebounds while Portis had six points.
• The game featured six lead changes and four tied scores.
• Allegheny ended the game shooting 41.9% (26-of-62) from the floor.

News and Notes

• The Gators are now 10-3 all-time against the Bearcats. 

Up Next
The Gators remain on the road as they travel to Franciscan Saturday (Jan. 6) for a PAC matchup.