Summerdale, PA -- The Pratt Institute men's basketball team saw their losing streak reach three, a season-high, as they fell to Central Penn College, 125-64, Monday afternoon.
The Cannoneers (4-5, 1-1 HVIAC) got off to a solid start, staking an 8-2 lead on Bubby Vernon's three-pointer just 2:32 into the first half. Eric Jeon's layup helped Pratt open a nine-point lead, 21-12, at the 12-minute mark. However, the Knights (15-7, 1-0) responded quickly. Using a deep bench, Central Penn went on 14-1 run, powered by senior Rafeeq Bush and freshman Mike Warren.
Pratt fought back over the final minutes of the opening stanza, tying the game at 30 following Andrew Yaglenski's jumper at the 14-minute mark. A brief timeout by the Central Penn allowed them to regroup and orchestrate a 9-0 run that blew the game wide open. Back and forth action ensued until intermission where the Knight took a commanding 55-39 lead into the locker room.
The Cannoneers needed a lift to start the second half, but Central Penn ripped off a 10-0 run to start the frame before Vishal Vanka's lay-up stopped the bleeding. The Knights did not take their foot off the gas, legging out another 11-0 run minutes later.
With the home team on cruise control, the Knights extended their lead, ultimately nesting to a 125-64 final.
Five different Central Penn players scored in double-digits, led by 26 from Tyler Orosco and 14 from Najah Fink.
For the Cannoneers, Eric Jeon netted a game-high 16 points, while senior Ari Grant posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Pratt returns home this Friday, January 20, to take on Alfred State at 6:00 PM.
