WILLIAMSPORT, PA (December 17, 2021) -- A slow start in the opening minutes of the game stifled the King's College men's basketball team as they dropped a 88-63 decision at Lycoming College in Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) play on Friday afternoon in Williamsport, PA. The Monarchs fall to 5-6 overall, 1-2 in MAC Freedom action heading into the holiday break while the Warriors improve to 6-4 overall, 2-1 in the MAC Freedom.

Lycoming had a strong start to the game, taking advantage of King's early struggles. The Monarchs got on the board on a three from junior Tyler Faux with 11:39 left in the half, trailing 19-3. The three sparked a 17-7 run to pull the Monarchs within nine, 26-17, with 5:39 remaining before the break. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch of the half before posting the 42-26 halftime score.

King's pulled within 11 several times throughout the second half, with the last time coming with 14:58 to play on a layup from first year Chris Patton. Lycoming had a response as they did not allow the Monarchs to chip away at the lead before posting the 88-63 final.

First year Patrick Bennie totaled a team-best 14 points in 17 minutes, shooting 6-for-9 from the floor, to lead three in double figures. Faux added 13 points, while first year Eamonn Walsh recorded 10 points. Sophomores Peri Basimakopoulos and Carmine Castiello collected a team-best four rebounds, and Castiello added a team-leading three assists.

Matt Ilodigwe led five in double figures with 21 points, while Dyson Harward recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

King's tallied 10 assists on 21 made baskets, while the defense collected eight steals on 17 Warriors turnovers. The Monarchs also won the battle inside the box score in points off turnovers (24-15), points in the paint (28-26), and fast break points (10-6).

The Monarchs are off for the holiday break, and they will return to play in the night cap of a New Year's Eve doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. against the University of Scranton in McGrane Gymnasium.