CLARKS SUMMIT, Pa. – The Neumann University men's basketball team defeated Clarks Summit University 73-52 on Friday afternoon.
 
Kyson Rawls and Justin Smith each scored 23 points to lead the Knights. Rawls went 11-for-12 from the free throw line and handed out seven assists. Smith added five blocks.  Matt Porreca netted 12 points.
 
Over the first part of the contest, there were three tied scores and three lead changes. On the fourth and final lead change, Rawls hit a layup to put the Knights up 19-18. That basket was the second bucket of a 15-0 run by Neumann as it built a 30-18 advantage with seven minutes left in the first half. The Knights held a 41-28 lead at the break.
 
Four minutes into the second half, the Defenders chipped their way back to within six, 43-37. The Knights extended their lead to 13, 54-39, with an 11-2 run. Neumann continued to steadily add to its lead throughout the rest of regulation to come away with the 73-52 win.
 
Neumann (1-1) will wrap up the spring 2021 schedule as it will host Clarks Summit tomorrow afternoon. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 PM in the back of the home-and-home.