ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University wrapped up the 2024 calendar year with a 78-73 win over Lebanon Valley College on Monday afternoon.
 
DJ Earl led the Knights with 28 points, including four baskets from downtown. Donte Dupriest tallied a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds.
 
The Flying Dutchmen opened the game by scoring the first seven points. Dupriest put the Knights on the board with a layup more than three minutes into the game. That bucket started an 8-0 run for Neumann and an 8-7 score five minutes into regulation. With the teams tied at 10, Lebanon Valley sank three straight three-pointers for a 19-10 score. LVC held the lead until a three-pointer by Earl with 1:37 left before halftime gave Neumann a 31-30 edge. The teams traded baskets until the break and the Flying Dutchmen took a 35-33 advantage into the half.
 
The second half had four tied scores and five lead changes, and each team held a six-point lead in the half. The teams were knotted at 66 with 4:14 when Earl hit another one of his three-pointers for a 69-66 game. Bryan Etienne made one free throw for a four-point advantage with 2:51 on the clock. LVC pulled back within two, 70-68, with 1:28 left in regulation.
 
The Knights went 8-for-8 in the final 31 seconds to hold off a Flying Dutchmen comeback and take the game 78-73.
 
Neumann (9-4) opens Atlantic East Conference action on Saturday when it hosts Marywood beginning at 3:00 PM.