READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks dropped its home opener to Lebanon Valley College by a score of 93-75 on Saturday night at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center. Berks' effort included 12 three-pointers, but Lebanon Valley capitalized on 26 points off turnovers to secure the win.
Berks opened the first half with a successful three-pointer by
Matthew Gingerich, assisted by
Quentin Wright, setting an early tone. However, turnovers became a challenge, as the team committed 14 throughout the half, allowing Lebanon Valley to capitalize. Despite the setbacks, the Nittany Lions remained competitive, with
Marquis Ferreira contributing from the free-throw line and
Zach Prator adding a layup to keep the game within reach. Lebanon Valley gained momentum with a series of fast breaks and points off turnovers, extending their lead. The Blue & White managed to respond with a three-pointer from
Luke Collins and continued to fight back with defensive rebounds. The half closed with the Flying Dutchmen holding a 49–35 advantage, as Berks looked to regroup and adjust for the next half.
In the second half, Berks saw a strong performance from Ferreira who initiated a scoring drive with a jumper and a 3-pointer, cutting into LVC's lead.
Jaedon Mast contributed by converting a fastbreak opportunity and adding a layup plus a free throw later in the half, keeping the deficit manageable. Collins added to the effort with a timely 3-pointer, maintaining the offensive pressure. The Nittany Lions would pull within 6 points with 10:42 remaining in the game on a 3-pointer by Gingerich. Despite these efforts, the Flying Dutchmen maintained their lead through consistent scoring, particularly from Tyler Kerlin and Demarcus Bandy, who added critical points to keep Berks at bay. The Blue & White could not pull any closer, falling 93-75.
Marquis Ferreira scored 16 points, including three 3-pointers, and added three assists.
Jaedon Mast matched Ferreira with 16 points, also connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, and recorded four steals.
Zach Prator contributed 12 points and led the team with seven rebounds while converting six of eight free throws. Collins added nine points, all from 3-point range.
WHO'S NEXT
In their next game, the Blue & White will face Penn State Schuylkill on Monday, Nov. 10. The matchup will take place in Schuylkill Haven at 7:00 PM.
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