Owings Mills, MD- The Penn St. Berks Men's Basketball Team dropped their opening game in the Mustang Classic, falling to the hosts Stevenson University by a score of 88-63 on Friday, November 15.

The Lions (0-3 Overall) jumped out to an early lead, taking an 8-5 advantage when Luke Collins hit a 3-pointer. Andre Ballard added two free throws to push the lead to five. After a couple more free throws, Josh Mingledolph swished a jump shot, drawing a foul and completing a three-point play to make the score 16-5. Stevenson (2-0 Overall) began chipping away at the deficit put Jaedon Mast and Mingledolph scored to keep the Lions in front. The Mustangs went on a 14-2 run, building an 11-point lead with 2:33 remaining in the first half. Ballard knocked down a jumper halting the run, but Stevenson added two 3-pointers to hold a 46-31 at the break.

Stevenson extended their advantage, opening the second half on a 14-2 run. Mast halted the run, converting back-to-back layups. The Lions could not cut into the deficit, trailing by as many 27 points midway through the second half. Kyle Jones started a 12-0 run including a 3-pointer from Marquis Ferreira that cut the Mustangs lead down to 15 points. Stevenson rebuilt their advantage and held on for the 88-63.

The Lions were led in scoring by Ballard and Mast who each recorded 12 points. Jones also reached double figures, scoring 10 points. Mingledolph led the team in rebounds and assists, finishing the game with six points, six rebounds and five assists.  

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will continue play in the Mustang Classic Tip-Off Tournament taking on Carlow University on Saturday, Nov. 16. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM.

FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with Penn St. Berks Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.