WILKES-BARRE, PA. (November 11, 2026) -- The King's College men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season on Wednesday evening, falling to crosstown rival Wilkes University, 75-60, in a non-conference matchup inside McGrane Gymnasium. The loss moves the Monarchs to 0-1 overall, while the Colonels improve to 1-1. The meeting marked the 82nd all-time matchup between the two programs, with Wilkes earning its 43rd victory in the series.
Wilkes established an early advantage, opening the contest with a 10-2 run before King's responded with a strong stretch on the offensive glass. The Monarchs generated second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounds, with three-pointers from senior forward
Sean Forrest and senior guard
Matt Christian helping King's pull even at 10-10 with 15:58 remaining in the first half.
The Colonels regained control behind their advantage on the boards, building an 18-3 rebounding edge by the second media timeout. Wilkes continued to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and its presence in the paint, extending its lead throughout the opening half. The Colonels capped the half with a half-court buzzer-beater, taking a 41-25 advantage into the break.
King's showed improved offensive production coming out of halftime, as Christian connected from beyond the arc before
Ben Rodner-Tims added baskets to help the Monarchs cut into the deficit. A three-pointer from Forrest brought King's within 12 at 47-35 with 15:39 remaining.
The Colonels answered with another offensive push, extending their advantage to as many as 26 points in the second half. The Monarchs continued to battle, with Forrest knocking down multiple three-pointers and Rodner-Tims contributing in the paint and at the free-throw line. King's outscored Wilkes 35-34 in the second half, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Colonels secured the 75-60 victory.
Forrest led the Monarchs with 17 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and connecting on five of his eight attempts from three-point range. Senior guard
Ben Rodner-Tims added 11 points, going 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Rebounding proved to be a significant factor in the contest, as Wilkes held a 48-31 advantage on the glass, including 19 second-chance points. The Colonels also outscored King's 44-24 in points in the paint. The Monarchs finished the evening shooting 29.1 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from beyond the arc while converting 20-of-23 attempts at the free-throw line.
The Monarchs return to McGrane Gymnasium on Saturday, November 14, as they host Moravian University in a non-conference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
--MONARCHS--
