BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian University men's basketball squad fell behind early and was unable to overcome the slow start in a 72-55 loss to Juniata College in Landmark Conference action in Johnston Hall Wednesday.

How It Happened

• The Eagles scored the first eight points of the game before junior guard/forward Michael Leonardo put the Hounds on the scoreboard at the 15:45 mark. Leonardo added a three-pointer between baskets from sophomore forward Marquis Ratcliff as the Blue & Grey took a 9-8 lead just over two and a half minutes later
• Juniata moved back ahead while the Greyhounds eventually took a 19-14 edge after three-pointers from Ratcliff and senior guard Mark Howell. However, the Eagles finished the half with a 17-7 run to head to the locker room with a 31-26 edge. The halftime deficit was five for Moravian after sophomore guard Porter Kelly beat the buzzer with a long three-pointer
• Juniata led the entire second half, pushing its edge to 17 points on two occasions

Inside the Numbers

• Moravian had two players in double figures led by Ratcliff, who tossed in 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season and 13th of his career. Ratcliff also had a pair of blocked shots and two steals
• Kelly netted 11 points to go with three assists and three steals while Leonardo recorded six rebounds, five points and three assists
• Howell registered five points while sophomore forward Liam Cummiskey had four points and two boards
• Senior guard Alex Dietz also finished with four points and two rebounds to go with a pair of assists while junior forward Gary Francis added three points
• The Greyhounds connected on 18-of-51 field goal attempts, 7-of-30 three-pointers and 12-of-20 free throws in the contest

Up Next for the Greyhounds

• Saturday, January 6 at Lycoming College, 1:00 p.m.
• Friday, January 12 vs. Elizabethtown College, 4:00 p.m.