PITTSBURGH, Pa. – La Roche men's basketball opened 2025 against the high-scoring Pitt-Bradford Panthers, but in the end, it was the visitors getting the best of the Redhawks, 105-94.

The first half was back-and-forth as the two teams traded scores and sat tied, 20-20, at the mid-way point of play.

With 9:05 remaining, La Roche took what would be its final lead of the half, as Pitt-Bradford outscored the red and black 33-24 over the final 8:47 to take a 53-46 lead into the break.

Out of the half, the Panthers used the first 3:01 to build a 60-50 margin, but over the next 2:11, a 10-2 run by the Redhawks made it a 62-60 game, and later, with 10:10 to go, the lead shifted back to La Roche, 70-68.

With the clock reading 8:57, the score was again tied at 72-72, but a 7-2 spurt by Bradford gave a five-point edge back to the visitors.

During the final 4:21 of play, including with 1:57 remaining, La Roche was within two at 92-90, however, a 9-2 push by the Panthers sealed the deal.

For the game, the Redhawks finished 35-for-67 (52.2%) from the floor and 4-for-16 (25%) from three. From the foul line, they made 20 of 30 attempts (66.7%).

On the other side, Pitt-Bradford finished 33-for-63 (52.4%) from the field, 8-for-19 (42.1%) from deep and 31-for-39 (79.5%) from the free-throw stripe.

Every Redhawk starter entered double figures, led by Joe Starzynski, netting 19 points on 9-for-14 shooting, to go with eight rebounds and two assists.

Bryce Epps contributed 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Isaiah Thomas also scored 16 points with five rebounds and three assists.

Dominic Elliott added 15 points and five rebounds on the day, while Michael Brooks scored 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.

La Roche returns to the court next Saturday, Jan. 11 when they travel to Hilbert. Opening tip is set for 2 p.m.