Jan. 30, 2010

Box Score | Photo Gallery | News Stand | Tickets | Official Gear

EASTON, Pa - Lafayette lost to defending Patriot League champion, American, 76-66 at on Saturday in front of over 3,000 fans at Kirby Sports Center. Despite the loss, the Leopards will go into the second half of Patriot League play in the top spot in the conference standings, 14-8, 5-2.

Jared Mintz finished with a team-high 19 points, going 6-of-8 from the floor. Senior co-captain Jeff Kari also ended in double figures with 17 points while Jim Mower chipped in 10. Sophomore Ryan Willen, who played most of the game in foul trouble, had four points.

American used a balanced scoring effort led by George Mason transfer Vlad Moldoveanu who had 21 points. Stephen Lumpkins (13), Nick Hendra (12) and Daniel Munoz (10) also reached double figures for the Eagles (7-15, 4-3) who will welcome two more transfers, both from the Southeastern Conference, in 2010-11.

The Eagles controlled the tempo for the majority of the game, including the first 12 minutes of the opening half. A Mower layup tied the game at 23 with 6:56 left before intermission. Lafayette trailed 35-33 going into the locker room.

American went on an 18-9 run for the first nine minutes of the second half to extend its lead to 51-42. The Leopards answered with their own 11-3 run to tie the game at 53, off a pair of Mintz free throws. The junior scored eight points in the span and reached double figures for the 19th time this season.

The reigning Patriot League champs, who lost seven seniors and all five starters from a year ago to graduation, outscored Lafayette 23-13 in the final seven and a half minutes. Moldoveanu had nine points, Lumpkins (6) and Joe Hill (6) down the stretch. In the final eight minutes of the game, the Eagles converted 7-of-8 from the floor while Lafayette managed to make just 4-of-11.

For the game, Lafayette shot 44 percent from the floor and 68 percent from the line while Lafayette's defense allowed American to convert 53 percent from the field. The Eagles held a distinct advantage on the boards, 34-25, with eight apiece coming from Lumpkins and Hendra.

The Patriot League takes a six-day break before starting the second round of conference games. The Leopards travel to Holy Cross on Feb. 6 for a 3:30 p.m. tip.

Notes:

Lafayette lost for just the second time at home this season, going 9-2. It also marks the 11th straight win for American over Lafayette.

Jeff Kari reached double figures for the 10th time this season and the first since Jan. 13 at Colgate.

American doled out assists on 22 of its 28 field goals.