The win earned the Nittany Lions (8-13, 8-7 NEAC) a season split with Gallaudet, who won 90-86 on December 19 at Beaver Community Center. The Bison (13-8, 9-5) fell a half game behind SUNYIT for fourth in the NEAC standings, while the Lions moved a half game ahead of Morrsiville State for sixth place for the time being. Berks will await the result of Morrisville State and Wells contest played later tonight.

The Lions led through most of the second half, but Smith's lay in gave Berks its first lead over the final four minutes. Smith finished the game with 14 points. Dontez Reid hit four 3-pointers and had a team best 15 points. Shawn Green and Dontale King each chipped in 10 points. Nate Weldon led all rebounders with 11 boards.

Tony Tatum led the Bison with 20 points and Luther Weedon followed with 18. Layton Seeber added nine points, six boards and six assists.

The teams were identical in a number of statistical categories. The Nittany Lions had a 49.2 shooting percentage (29-59) from the floor, just edging out Gallaudet who shot 49.1 percent (27-55). Berks went 6-for-13 at the foul line compared to the Bison 5-for-12 showing. Berks won the rebound battle 35-34, while Gallaudet committed 20 turnovers to the Lions 19.

The Nittany Lions will continue their NEAC schedule with road games at Keuka College and Wells College this weekend.