LANGHORNE, PA – The Cairn University Men's Basketball team got off to a 1-0 start to United East Sky Division play on Wednesday night, holding off the Patriots of Valley Forge, 91-78.
 
Valley Forge (0-8 / 0-1 United East Skye Division) took an early lead for the first two minutes of the contest before the Cairn (4-1 / 1-0 United East Skye Division) offense was sparked by senior guard Aytor Alberto (Willemstad, Curaçao / Clarks Summit University) on a fast break layup and burying all three free throws after being fouled behind the arc. Senior forward Owen Bradford (Lansdale, PA / University of Valley Forge) would be assisted on a layup by fifth year guard Josh Forker (Telford, PA / Faith Christian Academy), Forker following up with a layup of his own via a steal and assist from Alberto to put the lead at eight. As the Patriots looked to get things going their way, freshman guard Carson Starns (Kansas City, MO / Northland Christian) knocked down a three to keep things in favor of the Highlanders. Junior guards Ismael Baqai (Pembroke Pines, FL / Washington College (MD)) and Jon Desir (Feasterville, PA / Neshaminy) shared pair of triples followed by another from Desir to put the Cairn lead in double-digits. As the closing moments of the half approached, Starns would flush another three to send this one to halftime, Cairn ahead 44-38.
 
Bradford spun in a pair of layups to start the second half. Alberto found Desir for a three to get the Highlanders back and running again. Starns would hit again from deep to get the lead as far as 15. Senior forward Derian Bradford (Lansdale, PA / University of Valley Forge) took over with a signature pull-up jumper and five free throws. The Patriots would take fouls in the final minutes to try to get possession back in their hands but would do so at the cost of Cairn's 74% free throw shooting in the second half.
 
Alberto was the top scorer for the Highlanders with 23 points and a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line. Desir collected a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds along with swatting a pair of Valley Forge shots. Cairn held the lead for almost 38 of the forty minutes of play with their largest lead being 15 points.
 
The Highlanders turn their attention to the Clarks Summit Defenders who host Cairn on Saturday. Tip off for the men is set for 3 p.m.