ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's basketball team defeated Salisbury University 71-66 on Saturday afternoon in the 2022-23 home opener. 
 
Jalen Vaughns led the Knights, scoring 28 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Kyle Thompson tallied 14 points off the bench. Ryan Starr pulled down nine rebounds and dished out six assists.  
 
The first half was close as the teams had nine lead changes and seven tied scores. Neumann held the largest lead of the half of five, 20-15. The Seagulls hit a free throw in the final minute of the half for a 28-27 edge at the half.
 
The first part of the second half was much like the first with the teams trading baskets and staying within striking distance. A three-pointer by Thompson with 8:59 left in regulation gave the Knights an eight-point advantage, 50-42. Neumann's largest lead of half would be 11, 61-50, with 4:26 on the clock.
 
The Seagulls then went on a 9-2 run to pull within four, 63-59, with under a minute left in regulation. Neumann went 6-for-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to keep Salisbury from retaking a lead. A layup by Justin Smith with six seconds on the clock put the Knights back up by five as they hung on for the 71-66 final.  
 
Neumann (6-3) will remain at home and will host Rosemont College on Tuesday. Action is slated to start at 7:00 PM.