ABINGTON, P.A- Fresh off their exciting win against Keuka College Thursday night, the SUNYIT Men's Basketball Team (13-6, 8-4 NEAC) continued their momentum, beating Penn St. Abington (11-8, 8-4 NEAC) 80-75.

The Wildcats shot out to an early 17-3 lead just 5 minutes into the game. They relied heavily on the play of Maverick Hodge (Bronx, N.Y. / Samuel Gompers) throughout the half as he had 7 points and 4 steals, he would go on to score 15 points on the day. Abington was able to find ways to fight back into the game though, closing out the first half only down 34-31.

The second half was a back and forth battle. Abington lead by as much as 10 points in the half, forcing the Wildcats to answer. The Wildcats chipped away at the lead and with just over 6 minutes to go, had regained control of the game for the first time since early in the second half. SUNYIT went on to hit their free throws at the end and picked up the victory.

The Wildcats shot 49% from the field including 44% from 3-point range, Kaleel Johnson (Syracuse, N.Y. / Syr. Acad. of Science) led the Wildcats with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Abington was led by Avery Barnes who had 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Mike Marvin who added 19 points and 17 rebounds.

With the win, the Wildcats moved into third place in the NEAC standings. They are back in action tomorrow at noon as they visit Gallaudet.