Wilkes-Barre, PA (February 1, 2023) - The DeSales University men's basketball team clinched the top seed in the MAC Freedom postseason tournament and at least a share of the MAC Freedom regular season championship with a 65-54 win at Wilkes University on Wednesday evening.

The Basics

• Final Score: DeSales - 65, Wilkes - 54
• Records: DeSales (18-3, 12-0 MAC Freedom); Wilkes (10-10, 5-6 MAC Freedom)
• The win is DSU's seventh straight overall.
• DeSales clinches the top seed in the MAC Freedom postseason tournament and at least a share of the MAC Freedom regular season championship with the win.
• DSU sweeps the season series with the Colonels and improves to 39-30 all-time vs. Wilkes.
• It is the first time DSU has started the MAC Freedom season with a perfect 12-0 record.

How it Happened

• DeSales scored the first five points of the game but then went cold finishing the first half shooting just 28 percent from the field.
• Despite the shooting woes the Bulldogs defense kept them in the game as Wilkes led by just three (27-24) after 20 minutes of play.
• A three-pointer from junior Mason Barnes to start the second-half ignited a 14-2 run to start the final 20 minutes capped off by a three from senior Jordan Holmqvist giving DSU a 38-29 lead.
• Wilkes was within six points (52-46) at the 4:42 mark before an 8-2 run capped by a three-pointer from sophomore Devin Atkinson made it 60-48 with 2:54 left and DeSales never looked back from there.

Top Bulldog Performers

• Holmqvist had a game-high 18 points, hitting four three-pointers and handing out four assists.
• Atkinson came off the bench to score 12 points and pull down a team-high eight rebounds.

For the Foes

• Drake Marshall was the lone double digit scorer for the Colonels recording a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Inside the Box Score

• After shooting just 28 percent in the opening half, DeSales hit 57.1 percent in the second-half to out-score Wilkes, 41-27.
• DSU's bench out-scored Wilkes, 28-18.
• Wilkes had a 16-2 advantage in fast break points.

Up Next

• The Bulldogs are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Misericordia University for another MAC Freedom game set to begin at 3:00 pm.