Beaver Ends Brandywine’s Conference Winning Streak At Seven Games

MONACA, Pa. – Penn State Beaver put an end to Penn State Brandywine's seven-game Penn State University Athletic Conference winning streak, claiming a defensive battle by a 53-50 score on Sunday evening.

Brandywine was limited to just two points during the first 10 minutes of the game, falling into a 12-2 hole. Vince Zulli (Schwenksville, Pa./Perkiomen Valley) sparked the offense by knocking down back-to-back three-pointers and the Lions rallied to take the lead, jumping on top when Colin Hockenbrock (Wilmington, Del./St. Elizabeth) knocked down two free throws with 3:12 to go.

The teams swapped field goals before two Beaver free throws sent the hosts into the half with a 24-22 lead.

Beaver held a slim lead during the first seven minutes of the final period before consecutive layups by Zulli and Hockenbrock put the Lions on top 35-34. Six-straight points from Hockenbrock during the next two minutes extended Brandywine's edge to 41-36.

Brandywine held a 45-41 lead at the 7:56 mark following a basket from Jaden Kelly (Philadelphia, Pa./GAMP); however, the Lions were held off the scoreboard for the next 6:44 as Beaver retook the lead at 51-45.

Johnta Dunson's (Philadelphia, Pa./Freire Charter) free throw ended Brandywine's scoreless run and a layup from Bryce Barrouk (Glen Mills, Pa./Rustin) with 28 seconds on the clock trimmed the deficit to three.

After Beaver knocked down two free throws, Barrouk sank another layup, but time ran out on the Lions in their bid for an eighth-straight conference win.

Hockenbrock notched a team-best 14 points and matched Dunson with a team-high seven rebounds. Zulli was 3-for-3 from the field and totaled eight points, while Barrouk added nine.

Brandywine held a 36-28 edge on the boards and shot 15-of-18 from the free throw line, but was limited to 30 percent shooting from the field.

Brandywine (9-14, 7-6 PSUAC) visits Division II West Chester Friday night at 7:00 PM.