By Jimmy McCumber

The Albright College men's basketball team couldn't hold onto an 11-point second half lead in the 2013 ECAC South championship game, falling to visiting Juniata 91-80 in double-overtime.

Senior Dave Singleton had a double-double in his final collegiate game, totaling 12 rebounds and 13 points. He concluded his career with 985 points and 200 steals.

Also playing in their final game were center Zach Benjamin (15 points, nine rebounds) and guard Cornell Mickens (four points). Juniors Pedro Perez (17 points) and Kyle Jordan (12 points, 12 rebounds) were in double-figures, as was freshman Andre Marshall (14 points, four steals).

Neither team could score for more than half of the opening overtime period, until Perez drained a three-pointer with 2:22 left. Brian Scholly answered for Juniata from behind the arc, but missed another three-point attempt that would have won the game.

The Eagles exploded for 17 points in the second overtime, converting 10 free throws attempts to pull away.

Jordan had pulled down an offensive rebound and converted two free throws with 2:16 left in regulation, to put Albright ahead 68-64. Albright had three chances to add to that, but missed a lay-up and the front end of two one-and-ones.

Kevin Stapleton drilled a three-pointer with 65 seconds remaining to pull within one, and Jeremy Hays tied in with two free throws after Jordan had split a pair at the other end.

Albright led 46-35 with 17 minutes to play, but Hays scored six straight points (including consecutive fast break buckets off Lion turnovers), and then assisted on the go-ahead basket as Juniata went on a 12-0 run.

Perez had opened the first half scoring, after Benjamin pulled down an offensive rebound on the first possession and assisted the basket. Albright led 7-4 after a Sam Marrella three-pointer.

Hays hit a nice up-and-under lay-in to make it 9-8 Albright, and the game was tied at 17-all after Evan Ward's put-back. Juniata was clinging to a 24-23 lead after Marshall and Alex Raymond traded three-pointers.

The Lions finished the first half on an 8-0 run. Benjamin's put-back made it 38-33; Marshall hit Perez with a great pass and swatted Raymond with seven seconds remaining.

Hays was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after totaling 24 points on 11-of-20 shooting. All five Eagle starters were in double-figures, including a double-double effort from Nate Higgins (11 points, 13 rebounds).

Albright finishes its 2012-13 campaign at 22-7 overall, the second-highest win total in school history. Juniata (21-9) wins its first ECAC title.