Harrison Lilley – Staff Writer
hjl5363@psu.edu

Huntingdon, PA – Juniata took control of the score during the final moments of regulation to lead the contest into overtime, where Juniata eventually came up on top of the Lions to take the victory in the ECAC semifinal round on Saturday afternoon, March 3. The final score was 93-86, and brought Behrend’s overall record of 21-8 for the 2023-2024 season.

The top scorer for Behrend during the game was Tommy DiRienzo, of Pittsburgh, PA, and of Bethel Park High School, with a total score of 30 points, and 12 rebounds. This is the second successive game that DeRienzo scored a 30-point double-double. 

Prior to the halftime buzzer, Behrend had a slim lead of one point, but Matthew McDonough, of Pittsburgh, PA, and of North Allegheny High School, was a powerhouse to the Lions as he mad the Lions have the most significant lead of the game with a score of 46-35 when the game was five minutes into the second half. 

The Juniata Eagles were able to get their act back together in the game, making Behrend only have a small lead of 2 points with a score of 54-52 when five minutes were remaining in regulation during the second half.

However, Behrend was unable to get on top due to missed free throws, which gave Juaniata the chance to even out the score or possibly get on top of Behrend. However, a three-pointer by Juniata with 1 second left in the second half forced the game to need overtime.

At the end of the first overtime, the game was still tied as Jiuniata could have defeated Behrend on a final jumper, but were unable to successfully pursue this play in the game, resulting in the game going to double overtime.

During the second overtime period, Juniata was able to accomplish five consecutive baskets in the second extra frame to dominate the Behrend Lions with a lead of 89-82, which led them to claim their 16th win. This play led them to be able to attend the ECAC as they were able to make free throws to take control for the remainder of the game.

“McDonough notched his 21st game this season in double-figures, finishing with 16 points” said Penn State Behrend Athletics.

Senior Matt Niland, of Erie, PA, and of Fairview High School, got 15 points on the board for the Lions, but also was able to accomplish season-high rebounds of seven and also had a season-high of six assists.

Senior RJ Marsh, of State College, PA, and of St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy, participated in his eighth contest this season, and had a result of double-digit rebounds, and also was able to pull down ten rebounds.

In addition, Mason Blankenberg, of Ontario, NY, and of Wayne High School, provided 10 points and five rebounds to the overall team’s performance.

“As a team, Behrend held Juniata to 24.1 percent (7-29) from beyond the arc and outscored the Eagles in fastbreak points (7-0)” said Penn State Behrend Athletics.

*Sports Information provided courtesy of Penn State Behrend Athletics.*