PITTSBURGH – Rob Copley scored a career-high 32 points in a
64-62 loss to La Roche in a men’s AMCC game Friday.

The Panthers were down by as many as 15 points in the second
half and came back to take the lead with under one minute
remaining.

La Roche then managed to regain the lead, which forced the
Panthers to foul and La Roche capitalized on its foul shots to hold
on for the win.

“I was proud of our guys because we didn’t quit,” praised UPB
coach Andy Moore.

Leading La Roche (6-8 overall, 4-3 conference) were Nate Davis
(15 points), Frank Davis (14 points), Devin Taylor (11 points) and
Stacy Grady (11 points).

“We didn’t shoot well in the first half and our defense was
poor,” stated Moore.

The Panthers held La Roche to just 28 points in the second
half.

“At halftime I told the guys to relax and quit thinking too
much,” Moore commented. “We came back by digging in with
defense.”

Pacing the Panthers (6-8 overall, 3-4 conference) were Dan
Thomas (12 points, 4 assists) and Copley (9 rebounds).

Ryan Race, who is a key player for the Panthers, was held to
just two points.

“We really didn’t have Race tonight,” said Moore. “He was
inefficient with bad ankles.”

The Panthers are at Lake Erie College today.