HAMBURG, N.Y. – What was a three-possession game for a majority of the second half took a quick turn in the final three minutes as Hilbert fell in defeat to Penn State Behrend (68-60) in men's basketball action tonight.

Jalen Smith led a trio of Hawks to double digit points, but Behrend stayed focused and finished the game down the stretch. 

The Hawks (10-7), who maintained a 5th place standing in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference with one game remaining, have qualified for their seventh consecutive post-season appearance.  Penn State (13-4) swept Hilbert this season and retained their 2nd place tie as they battle for a 1st Round bye next week.

Smith notched another impressive offensive outing.  He tossed in 17 points, dished for six assists, finding several of his big men in the lane when he drew two defenders. 

???????Masia Phillips came off the bench and lifted Hilbert with not only 14 points, but six rebounds. 

Nicholas Parucki added 11 points and was the team's leading rebounder while deflecting a pair of Behrend shots.

As expected, the pace of the game was slower and more controlled since Behrend, who is ranked 11th in Division III in scoring defense, interrupted Hilbert's up tempo attack.  Hilbert went on mini runs in each half when they rebounded and attacked in the full court, but the Lions were quick to cover the transition lanes most of the night holding Hilbert to only four fast break points.

Neither team held a larger than two-point advantage in the play analysis breakdown by the final horn.  Hilbert scored one more point off turnovers (10-9) while Behrend built a two-point spread in 2nd chance points (9-7) and points in the paint (26-24).

Each team forced three tie-scores during the game; the Hawks twice in the first half and once in the second.  Behrend gained the lead only one more time than Hilbert (7-6) yet the final lead change was the difference maker.

The Hawks jumped out to a 7-point lead almost nine minutes into the game, but the Lions clawed their way back and took their first lead, 21-20, at 5:36.  There were four lead changes as time wound down and Behrend struck in the paint with 15-seconds left to take a 31-30 half time lead.

After the seventh lead change in the second half, Hilbert looked in control.  Smith's strike from down town started an 8-point swing.  Phillips scored a fast break layup and added the free throw just before Smith found the rim again at 10:50 for a 51-44 Hilbert lead.

A pair of deep shots by Behrend elevated their energy as they forced another tie with almost seven minutes left (52-52).  Hilbert held their lead until the visitor's regained it at 3:27.   The Hawks forced another knotted score 58-58 with just under three minutes on the clock, but timely Lion free throws, jump shots and offensive rebounds secured the victory.

The Hawks have one final game on their regular season schedule.  They welcome Mt. Aloysius this Saturday, February 18 for a 3pm tip.  Earlier this season, Hilbert claimed a three-point victory (80-77) in Cresson, Pa.

Prior to the start of the men's game, the program will honor their two seniors.  Kyle Kline and Kirkland Ottey will be celebrated at mid-court and they welcome all their families and friends to show their support.