WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—In the opening game of the Lycoming Tip-Off Tournament, the Warriors lost a thriller to PSU-Altoona on Friday, November 17 at Lamade Gymnasium.

At the end of regulation, Lycoming had fought their way back to a 56-56 tie, but the Warriors fell in overtime 71-65.

The Blue and Gold were down by as many as 17 points in the first half, despite two three-pointers and ten points by sophomore Eric Anthony (Wheeling, WV). Junior Greg Sye (Chantilly, VA) had nine strong first-half points in the post, but nonetheless, Lycoming trailed 32-24 at the break.

The well-coached Lions shot 68.4% from the field in the opening period and held Anthony and Sye to two and four points respectively in the second half. Anthony finished the game with a team-high 17 points, while Sye recorded 13.

However, the Warriors were able to force an extra period thanks to eight second half points by sophomore big man Ricky Varnell (Patterson, NY) and three-pointers by senior Kevin Morris (Camp Hill, PA) and junior Jemayne Nowlin (Gaithersburg, MD).

But, the diligent Lions hit three shots and eight free throws in overtime to claim a berth in tomorrow’s Tip-Off Tourney championship game. The Warriors will play The College of New Jersey at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by King’s College versus PSU-Altoona in the finale.

King’s rolled past TCNJ 79-55 in the second game of Friday’s doubleheader.