Cold-shooting, rebounding hinders Men’s Basketball against La Roche

PITTSBURGH --- Carlow University men's basketball lost a 91-66 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference contest to crosstown foe La Roche University at Donahue Pavilion Wednesday night.

The Celtics (3-20, 2-13 AMCC) forced 18 turnovers and outscored the Redhawks (11-13, 8-7 AMCC) 28-26 in the paint, but it was not enough to overcome a 51-23 rebounding margin and a La Roche team that shot 51.8 percent (29 for 56) from the field on the night.

Riley Comforti (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland HS) led the Celtics with 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Jordan Cannon (Cleveland, Ohio/Lutheran East/West Virginia Wesleyan) scored 12 points, while Nehemiah Brazil (Pittsburgh, Pa./Nazareth Prep HS) added 12 points, five assists, three steals and a block in the effort.

La Roche jumped out to an 11-2 lead to start the first half and did not allow the Celtics to break through into double figures until midway through the half. The Redhawks took a 16-point lead into intermission. Despite Carlow's best efforts, La Roche maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half to secure the win.

Carlow tied for its fewest turnovers all season with eight and shot 80 percent (16 for 20) from the free throw line on the night. The Redhawks outscored the Celtics 33-26 off the bench.

Bryce Epps scored a game-high 20 points for the Redhawks, and two other players recorded double figures in the win.

The Celtics host Alfred State College for a 2 p.m. AMCC game Saturday, Feb. 22. It is Senior Day, and Carlow will recognize its four seniors prior to tip-off.