Juniata Opens Season with 53-49 Win over Kean

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata men's basketball team opened the 2012-13 season with a 53-49 win at home over Kean University Saturday night at the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament.  Juniata (1-0) held off the Cougars push in the final minutes to earn their first win of the season in front of 875 fans at the Kennedy Sports+Receation Center.

"It's always good to start with a win," said Head Coach Greg Curley.  "I am happy for the guys.  It's a special place to play, and I think that it helps us and our program. And I really appreciate the support from the students and the community and hopefully they enjoyed what they saw."

The Eagles were led by juniors Brian Scholly (State College, Pa./State College) and Jeremy Hays (McMechen, W. Va./John Marshall).  Scholly finished with a team-high 17 points, while Hays picked up 13, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

"They really stepped it up when we needed and made big plays and big shots," said Curley.  "We've talked about it, they've done it in the past, but now that they are juniors, hopefully they can establish themselves and do it every night."

Juniata turned 15 Cougar turnovers into 22 points, shooing 40-percent from the floor in the second half. 

Kean pulled to within one (40-39) with just over seven minutes to play when Juniata went on a 7-0 run capped by Scholly's second three of the night.  He would score eight of the Eagles last nine points.

The Cougars (0-1) were led by Michael Burton who finished with a game-high 18 points.

Juniata will face Mount Aloysius in the tournament championship tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.  This will be only the second time both programs have met since the 1999-2000 season.

"It's going to be a much different game," Curley said of the championship.  "Mt. Aloysius plays at a higher tempo.  There is not going to be a shot they don't like so it's going to be a test. We're going to have to really communicate well, stay sound and execute on offense."

Fans can watch the game and follow live stats online at juniatasports.net.

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