LANGHORNE, PA – In a game well-known for quick spurts and runs, being able to “weather the storm” is an invaluable trait that can separate good teams from great ones.

Despite senior Tom Arthur’s near triple-double, the Crimson Eagles allowed what ended up being a crippling late first half run as Asbury’s 20-2 spurt late in the opening stanza helped the visitors to their sixth win of the season.

PBU hoisted 19 more shots on the night than their counterpart thanks, in part, to a 16-5 advantage on the offensive glass. But the rebounding edge coupled with a 14 for 29 effort from beyond the arc wasn’t quite good enough to combat Asbury’s hot hand throughout the evening as the Eagles shot at a 57.9 percent clip from the floor for the game.

Sophomore Phillip Morrison highlighted an efficient Asbury attack that saw the visitors connect on 19 of their 29 second half shots. Morrison shot a blistering 13 for 15 from the field, torching the Crimson Eagles for 33 points that included a two for three effort from beyond the arc and a five for five showing at the charity stripe.

After going up 25-17 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the half, the Crimson Eagles soon began to feel momentum shift. In an almost déjà vu type situation reminiscent of both Eastern and Geneva, PBU’s small cushion early on soon crumbled behind a sputtering offense. Asbury capitalized with the decisive 20-2 run to help the visitors take a 40-34 cushion into the break.

The Crimson Eagles would respond by chipping away at the Eagles’ lead in the first five minutes of the second period, eventually going ahead by as many as six midway through the half.

With a combined 22 ties and lead changes throughout the 40 minutes of play, the two teams would remain close down the stretch. Trailing by two with just over a minute to play, a costly Crimson Eagle turnover down the stretch ultimately paved the way for Asbury to extend their small edge in the waning moments.

The loss marks PBU’s fourth of the season while Asbury improves to 6-3 on the year with the win.

Arthur toyed with a triple-double on the night, posting 17 points, eight rebounds, and perhaps most impressively, nine assists in a losing effort. Junior Willie Miller reached double figures for the second time this season, ending the night with 14 points and a career high five steals. Senior guard Dan O’Brien connected on four three pointers to finish with 12 points, and senior guard Dan Schlegel added 10 points in just 19 minutes of work. Senior Mike Phillips chipped in with nine points on three of five shooting from deep.

The Crimson Eagles will take nearly a week and a half off before returning to the hardwood next weekend during the Chick-fil-A Christmas Tournament. PBU will open with Davis College on Friday night in the Mason Activity Center at 8:00 pm.