CENTER VALLEY, PA (December 8, 2018) -- The King's College men's basketball team turned an 11-point deficit into two points late in the second half, but a last minute three-pointer by DeSales University proved to be the difference as the Bulldogs knocked off King's 62-55 in Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) play from Billera Hall. 

The Moanrchs and Bulldogs slugged through a slow first half, as neither team could get much going offensively. With 8:37 to go in the opening period and the score tied at 15 apiece, DSU went on a 10-2 run capped by a three-pointer by Rob Miller to make the score 25-17.

After taking a nine-point lead into the break at 29-19, the Bulldogs would build their lead up to 15 points with 9:19 play on another triple from Miller. From that point, the Monarchs would start to whittle away at the Bulldog lead, pulling to within two at 57-55 with 51 seconds to play after a three-pointer by Noah Tanner. 

On the next possession, DeSales used nearly the entire shot clock and connected on a three-pointer with 23 seconds to go to make the score 60-55. The next possession by King's ended in a turnover, and two free throws by the Bulldogs iced the game. 

Freshman Jake Pawliczak posted a team-high 14 points, adding seven rebounds, making seven of his 13 field goals on the day. Junior Andrew Hudak chalked up nine points and nine rebounds, and junior Josh Bailey contributed eight points and team-best seven helpers. 

Freshman Kevin Hunter came off the bench to add eight points in 21 minutes, while Joe Lonardi registered four points and seven boards. King's shot 39.3 percent (22-56) from the floor on the day, but dominated on the glass earning a 42-31 edge on the boards. 

Alex House was outstanding recording his first career double-double with a career-high tying 12 points and a career-best 10 rebounds. Matt Kachelries finished with nine points and junior Tracy Simsick had eight, all in the second-half. Miller gave DSU a lift off the pine with a season-high nine points, hitting three 3's.

King's will host the FNCB Bank Monarch Classic next weekend, taking on Hartwick College Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. in McGrane Gymnasium in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Gwynedd Mercy University and Susquehanna University will play the first game of the tournament at 3 p.m. next Saturday.