PITTSBURGH, Pa. – In an offensive battle, La Roche men's basketball pulled through with its first win of the 2024-25 season, defeating Muskingum 91-83.

Despite a quick 8-2 spurt by the Muskies in the first two minutes of play, the Redhawks would respond, scoring 14 of the next 17 points to take a 16-11 lead with 14:38 to go.

The lead lasted until 10:05 when a 5-0 Muskies run gave the edge back to the visitors, 25-22, but over the next 4:30, La Roche re-opened an eight-point lead of 37-29 behind a 15-4 run, ultimately taking a 46-39 edge into the break.

Out of the half, Muskingum used the first minute to crawl back within three at 46-43, but the Redhawks countered with an 8-1 run to push the lead to its highest, 54-44 with 14:42 on the clock.

Trailing 56-46 the Muskies again climbed back in with six unanswered points and with 10:49 remaining had the deficit down to 58-56 and then ultimately regained the lead, 61-60, just a minute later.

La Roche fired back, utilizing a 10-2 run to open the score back to a seven-point game, 70-63 with 7:15 to go.

Down the stretch, the teams kept trading scores, but the Redhawks were able to hold the lead the remainder of the night.

La Roche would allow the game to come as close as 73-72 with 3:55 remaining and as many as nine, 89-80 with 22 seconds left, before closing out the game.

For the game, the Redhawks finished 34-for-61 (55.7%) from the floor and 9-for-22 (40.9%) from three. From the foul line, they capitalized on 14 of 18 attempts (77.8%).

On the other side, Muskingum finished 30-for-65 (46.2%) from the field, 8-for-28 (28.6%) from deep and 15-for-20 (75%) from the free-throw stripe.

The Redhawks had four players in double figures, led by Bryce Epps with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Dominic Elliott finished right behind with 21 points and six rebounds.

Joe Starzynski contributed a stat line of 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks, while Michael Brooks chipped in 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

La Roche heads back on the road this weekend with a pair of matchups in the Wooster Tournament. First up on Friday, Nov. 22 is against the hosts, opening tip scheduled for 7:30 p.m.