Feb. 4, 2008

Box Score

ASTON, Pa.  - The Neumann men's basketball team extended their conference win streak to three as the Knights used a 24-point second half lead to edge out the Eagles of Eastern University, 89-79, at the Bruder Gymnasium Monday night. With the win the Knights improve to 8-11 over all and 6-5 in league play while the Eagles drop to 9-10 and 6-5 in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.

PAC Player of the Week Derahn Patrick opened the game on a solo 6-point run which forced an Eagles time out in the first two and a half minutes into the game.  Patrick's run sparked a Knights offense that had five players in double figures proving that a little team work goes a long way.

"This was a good win for us," said Head Coach Mike Gallagher after the game. "Are players are working well together and playing smart and that is what we have been striving for all season."

Neumann used high pressure and speed to quickly over take its visitors pulling away to a 26-14 lead midway through the first half. Patrick scored 15 of his 28 points in the first 20 minutes of play and Na'Sheed Linton and Mike Hitchens went 5-for-7 and 4-for-6 from the floor, ending the first half with 11-points each, as the Knights ended the half up, 47-32.

Eli Hitchens, DJ Fritz and Patrick led the Knights on a 13-point run in the second half helping the Knights to their largest lead of the evening, 69-45.

Eastern managed to close the gap on the Knights late in the game but were unable shorten the deficit to anything closer than 10-points as the Knights went on to win their third-straight, 89-79.

Neumann was led by Patrick with 28 points and 5 boards. Mike Hitchens scored 15 and Na'Sheed Linton added 14 points, 3 rebound, 3 assists and 3 steals. Rounding out the top five for the Knights were DJ Fritz with 11 and Eli Hitchens with 10 points for the Knights in the win.

Neumann will be back in action on Thursday, February 7 when they host Immaculata at 7:00 pm.