BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Neumann University Men's Basketball team put forth a valiant effort at Lehigh University, a division 1 program, in an exhibition on Sunday afternoon, ultimately falling by a final score of 87-67.
 
Over the first 1:23, Lehigh had a one-point edge, but Neumann went on a 10-5 stretch to take a 14-10 lead after five minutes. The Knights extended the lead to 11 with a 9-4 run, midway through the first half. The Mountain Hawks pulled back within six on the strength of a 7-2 push.  With the Knights leading by nine with 7:52 left in the half, Lehigh got back with two with an 11-4 run. Although Neumann went on a five-point push, Lehigh tied the game at 39 with a seven-point run. The game stayed even until the halftime intermission.
 
The Mountain Hawks got off to a fast start in the second as they scored the first six points, and nine of the first 14 to take a 51-47 lead after four minutes. Over the next four minutes, Lehigh went on a 10-4 push, extending the lead to ten. The score difference stayed the same over the next three minutes, but the Mountain Hawks pulled away further with an 11-4 run, sealing the win.
 
Mike Smith, III led the Knights offensively with a 15-point performance. Gary Francis and DJ Earl each had 12 points. Earl also matched his career-high in steals with three. Donte Dupriest made his Neumann debut nabbing a team-high five rebounds to go with his seven points and two steals.
 
Neumann (8-4) will have a quick turnaround as they'll host Lebanon Valley College on Monday afternoon for a 3:00 PM start at the Mirenda Center.