WILKES-BARRE, PA (February 11, 2023) – The King's College men's basketball team fired on all cylinders as they stunned the visiting Stevens Institute of Technology, defeating the Ducks, 87-65, on senior day in McGrane Gymnasium. With the win in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) match up, the Monarchs improve to 9-14 overall and 4-11 in the conference, while the Ducks fall to 11-12 and 8-6 in the MAC Freedom standings.

It was a dominant first-half performance from the Monarchs as they connected for 50 percent (16-32) from the field and 46.7 percent (7-15) from three on their way to a 49-24 halftime lead. After the teams traded baskets, King's (9-14, 4-11 MAC Freedom) opened the scoring with a 12-0 run before their lead swelled to 25 at the break.

The Monarchs continued their hot shooting in the second half as they saw their largest lead of the game, 58-27, off a jumper from sophomore Eamonn Walsh with 16:22 to go in the half. Stevens (11-12, 8-6 MAC Freedom) would never get closer than 18, 80-62, with 2:48 to play, but it was too little too late as the Monarchs held on for the MAC Freedom win, 87-65, over the Ducks on senior day in McGrane Gymnasium.

Junior Will Johnson had a game-high tying 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting to lead the Monarchs, adding eight boards, six assists, two steals, and a block with no turnovers. Junior Carmine Castiello came off the bench to add 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, with three assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Walsh posted 14 points, while sophomore Chris Patton added 12 points with five caroms and three assists. Additionally, first year Garrett Burys collected a team-high tying eight rebounds, while senior Collin Cook had a solid performance with seven points and two rebounds.

The Ducks were paced by a 19-point, five-assist effort from Conor Coffey, while Jack Spellman posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards with two blocks.

King's shot 50.0 percent (32-64) from the field and from three (12-24) for the game, adding 21 assists on their 32 made baskets. The Monarchs also held the advantage in the battle on the boards, 34-31, while holding the Ducks to 21.7 percent (5-23) from three and forcing 15 turnovers. Inside the box score, King's edged out Stevens in points off turnovers (23-6), second chance points (15-5), bench points (40-14), and fast break points (9-5).

The Monarchs will conclude their 2022-23 regular season in the rivalry matchup at Wilkes University. Tip off in the MAC Freedom match up is set for 6:00 p.m. in the Marts Center.

--MONARCHS--