University of Scranton

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Catholic CATHU 11-4,7-1 Landmark

Scranton SCR 12-1,7-1 Landmark

Catholic CATHU

11-4,7-1 Landmark

Final

Jan. 17, 2026

Scranton SCR

12-1,7-1 Landmark

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	F
Catholic CATHU	28	40	68
Scranton SCR	19	52	71

Summary
Box Score

Vin Rinella

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 1/17/2026 7:30:00 PM

Scranton Men's Basketball Rallies Past No. 23 Catholic, 71–68

SCRANTON, Pa. – The University of Scranton men's basketball team erased a nine-point halftime deficit and closed the game at the foul line to secure a 71–68 victory over No. 23 Catholic University on Saturday afternoon at the John Long Center, improving to 14–1 overall and 7–1 in Landmark Conference play this season.

The Basics

Final Score: Scranton 71, No. 23 Catholic 68
Records: Scranton (14–1, 7–1 Landmark), No. 23 Catholic (11-4, 7-1 Landmark)
The Royals secured their 11th consecutive victory and take the top spot in the Landmark Conference standings.

How It Happened

Scranton set the tone early, opening the game on a 9–2 run over the first four minutes. Brendan Carr provided an early spark for the Royals, knocking down a pair of three-pointers midway through the half.
Despite the surge from Carr, No. 23 Catholic maintained control throughout much of the opening period, using efficient shooting and second-chance opportunities to keep the Royals at bay. Scranton cut the deficit to five points on multiple occasions, but the Cardinals answered each push and carried a 28–19 lead into the break after limiting the Royals to 29.6 percent shooting in the first half.
The Royals came out of the locker room with renewed energy, opening the second half on a 10–4 run over the first four minutes. Carr scored seven quick points during the stretch, while Sammy Tornabene added a strong finish in the paint to trim the deficit to three.
Scranton continued to apply pressure on both ends, tying the game at 35–35 with 14:38 remaining following a Tornabene layup. The teams traded baskets over the next several minutes in a tightly contested stretch that featured five lead changes and four ties, as neither side was able to gain separation.
With the game tied at 46–46, Carr drilled a three-pointer from the wing to give Scranton the lead for good. The Royals then leaned on disciplined defense and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch, going 21-for-23 at the line in the second half. Jon Spatola sealed the victory in the final minute with a pair of free throws, closing out the 71–68 comeback win over the nationally ranked Cardinals.