BOX SCORE

HUNTINGDON, Pa. (Nov. 26) - The Saint Vincent men's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season on the road to Juniata, 69-55, at the Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center.

With the loss, the Bearcats fall to 3-1 on the season before opening Presidents' Athletic Conference action on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Westminster. The Eagles improve to 5-0 thus far.

After the first 20 minutes of play, Juniata led, 39-25, after making 15 of 20 free throws. SVC attempted just seven free throws in the first half and hit on only 30.0 percent (9-of-30) shots from the field.

In the second half, SVC cut the margin to as little as eight points, 51-43, with 10:33 remaining after eight-straight points from senior Dennis Bassich, including two three-pointers and two free throws.

Bassich and classmate Tauvon Pettiford posted team highs of 13 points in the loss while sophomore Isaac Turner recorded 11 points. Junior Armani Fountain totaled a team-best nine rebounds against Juniata.

For the game, SVC connected on just 30.9 percent (17-of-55) field goal attempts while Juniata was slightly better at 37.5 percent (21-of-56). The two teams combined to make three of 29 three-point attempts, with Bassich and Turner the only players to record trifectas. Behind 31 Saint Vincent fouls, the Eagles attempted 40 free throws, making 27 of them. SVC finished 72 percent (18-of-25) from the charity stripe.

SVC returns to action on Monday, hosting Franciscan University of Steubenville at 7PM in the Carey Center.