Owings Mills, MD- The Penn St. Berks Men's Basketball Team concluded play in the Mustang Classic, dropping a tight contest to Carlow University by a score of 88-82 on Saturday, November 16.

The Lions (0-4 Overall) fell behind early as the Celtics opened the game on a 7-0 run. Josh Mingledolph started the offensive attack, running out on the fast break for a layup. Andre Ballard then connected on a 3-pointer and Jaedon Mast knocked down a mid-range jumper, to bring the Lions back within two. Ballard tied the game at 13, knocking down a 3-pointer, drawing a foul and completing a four-point play. Moments later he hit his third three-pointer of the half to put Berks ahead 16-13. Kai Davis continued the 3-point barrage, drilling his first of the game to take a 20-13 lead. Carlow began to slowly chip away at the Lions lead, eventually tying the game 32 with 2:24 remaining in the opening half. The Celtic closed the half on a 6-2 run to hold a 38-35 lead at the break.

Carlow (1-3 Overall) opened the second half on an 8-0 run, taking an 11-point lead. The Lions fought back with a layup by Isaiah Cotten and another 3-pointer by Ballard slashing the deficit down to four. A few possessions later, Davis swished his second 3-pointer of the game to bring the Lions within a single point. The Celtics responded, scoring the next nine points to rebuild a 10-point lead. Berks made on final push, closing within two points with 3:42 remaining after Davis completed a three-point play. The Lions were not able to pull any closer, eventually falling 88-82.

Ballard put on his best performance of the season, scoring 27 points including going 5-9 from beyond the arc, earning a spot on the Mustang Classic All-Tournament Team in the process. Mast continued his improvement this season, scoring 17 points and swiping a team-high four steals. Cotton also reached double-figures, scoring 14 points. Davis made a splash off the bench, giving the Lions a boost with 15 points.

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will return home and host McDaniel College on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

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