GLENSIDE, Pa. - Hood College got career-highs from Jared Ruiz (Frederick, Md. / Oakdale) and Daniel Wegener (Falling Waters, W.Va. / Broadfording Christian (Md.)) as the freshman class combined for 49 points, but it was not enough as Arcadia held off the Blazers 70-65 in Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth action.

Ruiz knocked down 8-of-16 field goals and 3-of-6 3-pointers on his way to career-bests of 21 points and nine rebounds. Wegener had the highest scoring day of his college career with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. 

Senior Davon Hill (Clinton, Md. / Potomac School) had six assists. 

The Knights got off to fast start, hitting six of their first eight shots to open the game. John Landro hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give Arcadia an 18-6 lead just four minutes into the action. Later in the half, an 11-3 run by Hood brought the Blazers within 27-24 on a layup by Wegener with 7:30 on the clock. 

Hood trailed 37-30 at the half and the Knights scored the first seven points once play resumed for a 44-30 lead with 18:19 remaining. Arcadia held a 60-50 edge before a 13-3 run by the Blazers tied the score at 63-63 with 2:21 to go on a Ruiz basket. Alex Cohen was fouled at the other end and hit one free throw to give the Knights the lead for good.

Landro and Evan Slone scored 17 each to pace Arcadia. Landro went 4-of-8 from 3-point range and Slone was 8-of-10 overall. Slone led the team with seven boards. Ryan Kelley had 11 points and four assists. 

Hood went 13-of-16 at the free throw line (81 percent), while Arcadia was just 9-of-20 (45 percent). The Blazers held the Knights 14 points under their season scoring average and held a 36-32 rebounding edge. 

Hood, 8-5 overall and 2-2 in the MAC Commonwealth, returns to BB&T Arena on January 6 when Alvernia visits for an 8 p.m. tip off.