Brandywine Unable To Overcome Early Hole In Setback

BALTIMORE, Md. – Penn State Brandywine could not overcome an early deficit as the Lions were defeated 86-74 by Notre Dame of Maryland in United East Conference men's basketball action on Saturday afternoon.

Notre Dame built a 19-2 lead less than eight minutes into the first half. The hosts extended the margin to 37-19, the biggest of the day, with 3:28 to play in the opening period.

The Lions scored 11 of the final 14 points of the opening period, climbing within 40-30 at the half following a three-pointer from Amari Little (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge).

Little and Jaden Fogg (Morrisville, Pa./Morrisville) recorded back-to-back baskets to begin the second period as Brandywine pulled to within six, but the Gators answered with eight of the next 10 points.

Brandywine closed the deficit to six two more times during the final 10 minutes; however, Notre Dame had an answer each time. First, Jack Swider's (Conshohocken, Pa./Phil-Mont Christian) layup brought the Lions within 51-45, but Notre Dame countered with a triple and a free throw to push the lead back to double figures.

Later, Fogg converted a three-point play to make the count 58-52 with 8:37 to play before the hosts knocked down six consecutive free throws and added a layup for a 14-point edge. Notre Dame held a double-figure advantage until the closing minutes.

Fogg topped five players in double figures for the Lions with 17 points and pulled down six rebounds, while Ja'bri White (Townsend, Del./St. Mark's) notched 13 points, three assists and three steals. Ahmaar Godhania (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) tallied 12 points and Little and Corwin Holland II (Bowie, Md./Rock Creek Christian) both added 10.

Holland grabbed a team-best eight rebounds, while Javon Nelson (Philadelphia, Pa./String Theory) blocked three shots.

Brandywine (9-9, 4-2 UEC) will play at home for the first time in two weeks when the Lions host Keystone Wednesday at 5:30 PM.