ABINGTON, PA – The Cairn University Men's Basketball squad was hosted by the Nittany Lions of Penn State – Abington for a United East crossover matchup between Skye and Volt Divisions. Despite a late comeback, Cairn dropped their non-conference bout with the Nittany Lions, 83-78.
 
BOX SCORE DETAILS:

• Senior forward Derian Bradford (Lansdale, PA / University of Valley Forge) scored a game-high 25 points with three rebounds and pair of steals.
• Fifth year guard Josh Forker (Telford, PA / Faith Christian Academy) knocked down a season-high 16 points shooting 4-5 from behind the arc, also a season-high.
• Senior forward Owen Bradford (Lansdale, PA / University of Valley Forge) was the third highlander in double figures as he shot 50% from the floor to score 13.
• Junior guard Christian Rivera (Cayey, Puerto Rico / Central Bucks East) added 9 assists.

 
HOW IT PLAYED OUT:

• Cairn (11-8 / 5-5 United East Skye Divison) would get out to a 6-0 lead off the tip before the Nittany Lions quickly took the lead and looked to push ahead.
• A three-pointer from junior guard Jonathan Desir (Feasterville, PA / Neshaminy) got Cairn within striking distance with a pair of jumpers by Derian Bradford to take the lead back, 24-21.
• Sophomore guard Sam Stefano (Hanover, PA / South Western HS) splashed a triple to tie the game with Penn State – Abington (1-7 / 8-13) making the final shot of the half to take a 37-34 lead.
• Out of the break, the Nittany Lions' offense was firing on all cylinders as they pushed ahead by as much as 17.
• The Highlanders clawed back into the fight behind Forker who made 4 threes, all in the final six minutes of play.
• Cairn cut the lead as close as three points in the closing minutes with Penn State – Abington knocking down 8-10 free throws in the last minute and holding off the Highlanders 83-78.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

• Cairn hosts the Defenders of Clarks Summit University on Wednesday night in game two of the Women's/Men's doubleheader at 5 and 7 pm.