SELINSGROVE, PA (November 12, 2019) -- Despite outscoring the host River Hawks, 34-32, in the second half, the King's College men's basketball team's comeback efforts fell short as they fell to Susquehanna University, 77-61 in the opening round of the Trailways Tip Off Tournament. The Monarchs fall to 2-1 on the season as the River Hawks handed King's their first loss of the season.

The Monarchs took an early 7-3 lead behind two layups from senior Joe Lonardi and a three-pointer by senior Josh Bailey, but the River Hawks responded as they took an 11-9 lead that they would not relinquish for the half as Susquehanna took a 45-27 lead heading into the locker room.

To start the second half, the Monarchs would score 14 straight points to chip away at the River Hawks' lead, closing within four, 45-41, led by senior Tyler Millan with five points, Lonardi with four, and freshman Tyler Faux with three. Susquehanna answered with a run of their own, outscoring King's 8-2 over the next 1:57 as they reached a double-digit lead, 53-43. The River Hawks would lead by as much as 22 points in the half before posting the final, 77-61.

Faux led the Monarchs yet again with 15 points and three assists. Lonardi and Millan were the other lone Monarchs to record double-digits in the loss, as Lonardi totaled a season-high 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting while adding eight rebounds, and Millan recorded 11 points. Also leading the Monarchs was Bailey who dished out a team-high four assists in the loss.

As a team, King's shot 39.3 percent for the game on 22-of-56 shooting. They also totaled 12 assists on their 22 field goals, as they pulled down 38 boards, and added four steals and two blocks. In addition, the Monarchs totaled 24 points in the paint.

The Monarchs have a quick turn around as they will face Lehman College in the consolation game of the Trailways Tip Off Tournament tomorrow afternoon, starting at 1:00 p.m.