SELINSGROVE, Pa.- Juniata led early in the first half but host Susquehanna got off a big run in the second as the Eagles dropped an 83-57 decision to the River Hawks on Wednesday night. The loss puts JC's record at 11-8 overall and 3-6 in the Landmark. SU is now 17-2 overall and 7-2 in the conference.
Juniata led 8-1 less than four minutes into the game. The River Hawks' Steven Weidlich scored all eight points in an 8-0 run as Susquehanna took a 9-8 lead. Paul Martello (York, Pa./York Catholic) nailed a three-point shot to give the lead back to the Eagles, 11-9. JC held a 17-14 lead following a layup from Seth Brewer (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) with just under nine minutes to play in the first half. Susquehanna's 11-0 run gave the host school a 25-17 advantage at the 7:12 mark. A jumper and a layup from Marcus Lee (Carrolltown, Pa./Bishop Carroll) cut the River Hawk lead to 25-21 with 3:47 to play. SU's 9-2 run to end the period gave the River Hawks a 34-23 advantage going into the locker room.
In the second half, Juniata was able to reduce the SU lead to eight points, 40-32, with 17:39 showing on the game clock. A 21-8 River Hawks run broke the game open as Susquehanna led 60-40 at 11:34. The SU lead grew to 74-48 with 5:30 to play as the River Hawks had a comfortable lead for the remainder of the contest.
Lee scored 18 points to lead the Eagles. Brewer added nine points, four steals, three assists, and two rebounds. Damon Rickens (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) contributed eight points and pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Brandon Martinazzi (Cresson, Pa./Bishop Carroll) also had eight points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
The Eagles look to regroup this Saturday when they host Scranton at Memorial Gymnasium. Game time will be at 4:00 p.m. following the women's game at 2:00 p.m.