La Plume, PA (11-16-09) - James Jones netted a game high 23 points as Delaware Valley College slipped by Keystone 71-70 in non-conference men's basketball action.
The game served as the season opener for both squads.
Jones hit on 7-14 from the field, including three from beyond the arch to pace the Aggies. For the game Delaware Valley shot 75% from three-point range, going 9-12. Jones also dished out a game high seven assists.
Chris Mayo added 17 and Jason Goldheiner 10 to pace the Aggies.
Tercel Taylor led the Giants with 17, with newcomer Tim Benedix adding 10. Kenneth Hardnett cleaned the glass for a game high 11 rebounds.
After exchanging the lead for the first four plus minutes of the game, Delaware Valley built a 13-point advantage with 8:27 to play in the first half. Taylor would net seven of his points during a Keystone run over the next seven-and-a-half minutes with jumpers by Mark Musumeci and Channing Woodall and a three from Ryne Luce adding support.
Keystone would regain the lead just two minutes into the second half when Taylor connected from downtown. The teams would exchange leads once again over the next ten minutes, with a three-pointer from Spencer Lunger giving Keystone their largest lead at 60-54 with 8:35 to play.
With the Aggies leading by three with twenty five seconds to play, Benedix hit a jumper to cut the lead to 70-69. Delaware Valley would a Jones free throw to take a two point lead in the final possession.
After a missed three by Keystone, Coltin Ferrick grabbed the loose ball and was fouled with one-point-one seconds on the clock. After converting the first free throw, Ferrick's second fell off the mark securing the Aggies win.
The Giants will return to action on Friday at the Hamilton College Tournament.
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