BRIDGEWATER, Va.- The Juniata men's basketball team couldn't overcome their slow start as they lost on the road to Bridgewater College, 55-40, Monday evening inside Nininger Hall. 

Mason Hardy had 14 points, four rebounds, and four steals, while Ty Kocak tallied nine points, six rebounds, and two steals. Jaiden Aze added five points, six rebounds, and a block off the bench.  

Layups from Kocak, Hardy, and Tre Yawn paced the Eagles early as they trailed 11-6 midway through the first half.  

The hosts embarked on a 14-0 run over the next six minutes before a steal and a layup by Hardy broke the cold spell for the Eagles. His basket made it 25-8. Two minutes later, he made a foul shot for the final bucket of the half as Juniata trailed by 16.  

The Eagles' offense found some traction in the second half, with a Kocak and-one capping the run that brought them within 12. His free throw made it 42-30 with just under seven to play. 

Juniata couldn't get any closer the rest of the game. 

The men's basketball team will return to action on Sunday, December 29th, as they take on Immaculata at 7:00 on day one of the Doc Greene Tournament.