Center Valley, PA (December 18, 2019) - Junior Matt Kachelries was one assist shy of a double-double leading the DeSales University men's basketball team past Montclair State University, 86-74, in the final game before the Christmas Holidays on Wednesday evening in Billera Hall.

The Basics

• Final Score: DeSales - 86, Montclair State - 74
• Records: DeSales (4-4 overall); Montclair State (7-3 overall)
• The win snaps a three-game slide for the Bulldogs.
• Tonight was the first-ever matchup between DeSales and Montclair State.

How it Happened

• DeSales trailed for just 32 seconds in this one and had a lead for nearly 37 minutes as the Bulldogs took control early.
• Seven straight points after the game was tied at five gave DSU a 12-5 lead four minutes into the game.
• The Redhawks took a brief 28-27 advantage with 7:50 left in the opening half, but that was their only lead of the game as the Bulldogs countered seven of the next points to take a 34-28 advantage.
• MSU finished the half on a 6-2 mini spurt to get within two points (41-39) at the halftime break.
• Leading 46-44 early in the second-half, DeSales took control for good using a 12-1 run highlighted by all 12 points scored by seniors Kweku Dawson-Amoah and Alex House, including the last seven from house.
• The lead never fell below double digits the rest of the way and peaked at 20 (72-52) with 8:17 to go before the final margin was tallied.

Top Bulldog Performers

• Kachelries was just one dime shy of a double-double finishing with a season-high 18 points and nine helpers.
• Junior Timmy Edwards came off the bench to score a game-high 21 points and pull down seven rebounds.
• Dawson-Amoah finished with 15 points and eight boards.
• Seniors Ben Pratt and Julian Wing each had five assists.

For the Foes

• Jalen Parham had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Akbar Hoffman had 16 points.
• Nate Nahirny finished with 13 points and Justin Porter added 10 points and eight rebounds in the loss.

Inside the Box Score

• DeSales torched the nets shooting 54.2 percent for the game and 45.0 percent (9-for-20) from outside the arc.
• The Bulldogs dominated the paint out-scoring MSU, 46-30.
• DSU's defense was also stellar holding the Redhawks 22 points under their season average and to 42.9 percent shooting.

Up Next

• The Bulldogs break for the Christmas holidays and will return to action on December 28th when they host Bryn Athyn College in the opening game of the Al Senavitis Memorial Tournament beginning at 2:00 pm.