SCRANTON, Pa. – The University of Scranton men's basketball team (1-3) dropped an 85-62 decision to the Stevens Ducks (2-1) in a non-conference matchup on Saturday afternoon at the John Long Center in Scranton.

This marked the second-ever meeting between the two programs.

The two teams traded baskets for much of the first half and a three-pointer by junior Cameron Khoza (State College, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) gave the Royals a slight 22-21 lead with 8:37 remaining. However, Stevens quickly responded with five straight points as part of an 18-8 run over the final eight minutes and the visitors took a 39-30 lead into the locker room despite layups in the final minute from Khoza and senior Tahaj Parland (Neptune, N.J./Mater Dei).

In the second half, Scranton fought back within both five and six on a couple of different occasions and trailed 48-43 following sophomore Luca Baratta's (Richboro, Pa./Perkiomen School) three and a free throw by junior Will McLoughlin (Glen Rock, N.J./Glen Rock) with 13:19 to play. Sophomore Jon Spatola (Marlboro, N.J./Marlboro) later sank a jumper at the 9:26 mark to once again bring the Royals within six at 53-47, but the Ducks answered with an extended 21-9 run over the next 4:29 and led 74-56 at the 4:57 mark of the stanza. Scranton fought until the final seconds, but was unable to get any closer than 14 the rest of the way.

Parland led four Royals in double figures with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting and the trio of Khoza, McLoughlin and Spatola all added 11 apiece. McLoughlin also contributed six boards, four assists, two steals and a block.

Tommy Scholl had 14 points to lead the charge offensively for Stevens, while the duo of Stephen Braunstein and Jack Spellman added 13 apiece.

The Royals were 24-of-56 (42.9%) from the floor and 4-of-17 (23.5%) from deep and Stevens shot 52.6% (30-of-57) from the field and 46.2% (12-of-26) from long range.

Scranton will look to bounce back on Tuesday night at Cabrini with action slated to get underway at 7 p.m.

--ROYALS--