(Posted January 30, 2010)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - The Juniata College men's basketball team went to the foul line only three times and shot 30.5% for the game from the floor as Catholic University toppled the Eagles, 60-44, Saturday afternoon inside the Kennedy Sports + Recreation Center.

The Cardinals took the lead 4:44 into the first half, and never relinquished it. The first half lead ballooned to as many as eight throughout the first half, before a made three-pointer with three seconds by Shawn Holmes pushed it to 11 at the half.

The second half proved to be all Catholic, as Juniata (8-12, 3-6 Landmark) fell behind by double digits, and never recovered.

The Cardinals used an 8-0 run, starting with 14:13 remaining to open the lead to 22 points with 11:15 left on the scoreboard. From there, Catholic (15-5, 7-2 Landmark) cruised to the finish line, winning the nightcap by 16 points.

Senior Jeff Berkey (Stoystown, Pa./Shanksville-Stoneycreek) was the lone Eagle in double figures in scoring with 13 points. He also contributed seven rebounds. Four of his rebounds came on the offensive glass.

The rebound margin favored Catholic, 38-29; as they went on to collect 12 more defensive rebounds than the Eagles. Juniata won the battle on the offensive board but could not convert the second chance opportunities into points.

The Cardinals shot 46.7% from the field for the game, 47.8% in the first half to set the tone for the second half. They made 16 trips to the foul line, sinking 11 of them.

The two losses this weekend drops Juniata sixth place in the conference, two games behind the fourth place spot, currently occupied by Susquehanna University.

The Eagles continue their home stretch when they take on Drew University and Merchant Marine next Friday and Saturday, respectively. It is the last home stand of the season for the Eagles before they hit the road for close out the regular season.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.