BEHREND MEN'S BASKETBALL CROWNED AMCC CHAMPIONS

The top seeded Penn State Behrend men's basketball team won their sixth conference title, and first since 2019, in a 66-61 victory over Pitt-Greensburg on Saturday evening in the Penn State Behrend Junker Center.

Behrend jumped out to an early lead behind a Nate Edwards three, pushing the score to 5-0 in the first few minutes. Pitt-Greensburg answered with multiple baskets from Jackson Byer and others to tie and then take a narrow lead. The half featured several lead changes and runs that swung momentum back and forth. Pitt-Greensburg hit a three late in the half to stretch its lead, as the Bobcats held a 32-27 advantage at the half. 

Behrend came out of the locker room strong, trimming the lead early with a bucket by Jacob Dunkle. The first few minutes were tight, but the Lions eventually grabbed the lead midway through the second half. Behrend pulled ahead with multiple key baskets from Dunkle and Matthew McDonough, giving them a 47-40 lead with 11:25 to play in the game. Pitt-Greensburg continued to battle, cutting the deficit at times, but Behrend’s balanced scoring and extra rebounds helped maintain the edge. In the final minutes, Behrend closed it out by protecting its lead and making enough stops to secure the championship.

Dunkle had a big game on the inside, registering a double-double and key buckets in the second half, as he led all scorers with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Edwards added a strong scoring effort with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and McDonough rounded out the double-digit scoring for the Lions by contributing 10 points, five assists, and two steals.

Pitt-Greensburg fought back through Jackson Byer’s 19 points and timely threes that kept the game tight throughout. Byer also added seven rebounds and three blocks, while Matthew Marinchak added 13 points and four rebounds for the Bobcats.

Penn State Behrend now advances to the NCAA tournament by earning the conference's automatic bid. The Lions will learn their fate on Monday, March 2 at 1:00 p.m. during the NCAA Selection Show. 

All-Tournament Team
Penn State Behrend:Jacob Dunkle, Matthew McDonough
Pitt-Greensburg: Jackson Byer, Matthew Marinchak
La Roche: Bryce Epps
Hilbert: Larry Morse
Penn State Altoona: Bralen Cage
Alfred State: Darius Cunningham, Jr.

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