CRESSON, PA -- La Roche College picked up a hard fought road victory, holding on to defeat Mt. Aloysius 62-57 on Wednesday night. The Redhawks are AMCC Regular Season Champions and now have their sights on becoming the first AMCC team to win 18 conference games.
La Roche jumped ahead early, building a 14 point lead just eight minutes into the game. The Redhawks large lead came on the heels of three straight threes, with Shawn Dunnings burying a pair and Caden Kryz adding one.
Mt. Aloysius answered with five straight points and worked it down to seven points by halftime.
La Roche played fast and controlled tempo in the first half. They attempted 43 shots and 18 three-pointers, while turning the ball over just three times.
The Mounties closed the gap to 45-42 at the second half's 12:35 mark. La Roche built the lead back up to nine, but Mt. Aloysius continued to battle and trailed by just two with 55 seconds to play.
The Redhawks missed a three pointer on the following possession, but Zach Gould pulled down a big offensive rebound and was immediately fouled. Gould made both free throws for a 60-54 lead.
La Roche forced a turnover and a Gould free throw put the Redhawks up five and the win.
RayQuan Phifer scored a team-high 12 points. Tyler Frederick had a double-double and was unstoppable on the glass with 10 points and 19 rebounds.
The Redhawks did not have their best shooting day, but they played well defensively, won the turnover battle and the battle on the glass.