HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata men's basketball team faced a tough challenge at home on Saturday, falling to Hood College, 94-58, inside the Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center. The Eagles were unable to recover from a slow start as Hood's efficient offense and dominant rebounding sealed the victory. Tyler Lapetina sparked the Eagles with 10 points, including three three-pointers, while Jayden Bilger contributed six points and five rebounds. Ayden Hurley also provided a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including a season-high five three-pointers. 

Hood came out strong, with Garrison Linton (23 points) and Jack Fricka (19 points, 10 rebounds) leading the charge. The Blazers shot 51.4% from the field and dominated the boards, outrebounding the Eagles 56-33. Juniata had trouble containing the Blazers' fast-paced offense, and Hood's hot shooting kept the Eagles from mounting a comeback. The game started off even, with Lapetina hitting a pair of early three-pointers to give the Eagles a brief 6-5 lead. However, Hood quickly took control with a 21-2 run midway through the first half, pushing their lead to 20 points. Juniata's defense fought hard throughout, but they couldn't find an answer for the Blazers' offensive efficiency, and Hood finished the first half leading 53-30.

In the second half, Juniata couldn't find a way to climb back into the game. 

The Juniata men's basketball team will return to action when they host Moravian on Wednesday, January eighth at 7:00 PM.