Four players scored in double figures as the Chestnut Hill college Men's Basketball team won their third straight game, defeating Alliance University 78-69 Saturday afternoon at Sorgenti Arena.

The Griffins improve to 13-12 overall and 7-7 in Central Atlantic collegiate conference games.  Alliance falls to 11-13 overall and 5-8 in league play.  CHC moves into a three-way tie for second place with Georgian court University and Goldey-Beacom college with the win.  The Griffins defeated both teams earlier this season and still have to play both squads in the next two weeks.

James Rider IV led the Griffins with 17 points (6-12 FG, 2 3FG, 3-3 FT).  MJ Iraldi came off the bench to record a double-double, scoring 16 points (4-7 FG, 7-8 FT) and grabbing ten rebounds.  Conor Regan added 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-5 3FG) and Trevonn Pitts chipped in 13 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting night while also making three free throws.  Nigel Haughton had a team high four assists and a game-high three steals.  

The first nine minutes of action saw seven lead changes and three ties before the Griffins took control, breaking an 18-all tie with a 18-5 spurt to lead 36-23 with 5:53 left.  Five different players scored for CHC over the course of the run with Iraldi and Pitts netting four points apiece and Haughton  connecting on two three-point baskets, the last capping the run.  Alliance countered with a 9-2 run to close within four 38-34 with just 2:39 left.  The Griffins defense then held their opponent scoreless the rest of the half while building the lead back up to ten 44-34 with Regan hitting a three-point basket to close out the first half scoring.

Alliance did hang tough in the second half, pulling within four three times, the last at the 12:42 mark.  Again the Griffin defense stepped up, holding Alliance without a field goal over the next 4:20 as their offense produced a 9-1 run to take a 65-53 lead with 8:42 remaining.  Seven of the nine points came at the free throw line with Pitts starting things off with a pair at the 12:03 mark and Adam Angwafo adding two more with 8:51 left.  Rider capped the run with three straight makes from the charity stripe.

Regan's three-ball gave the Griffins their largest lead at 70-55 with 5:45 left.  Alliance had one more run left in them, closing within five, 72-67 with just 64 ticks on the clock via a 12-2 spurt. Chestnut Hill sank six free throws in the final 38 seconds to seal the nine-point win.

A strong shooting effort (49.1% - 26-53) from the field along with a solid performance from the free throw line (18 of 21, 85.7%) keyed the win for the Griffins.  CHC's defense held Alliance to 43.8% (28-64) shooting from the field and just 12 free throws (with AU making just five).  The Griffins bench also outscored Alliance 23-3.

The men's basketball team returns to action on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 when they travel to face Holy Family University for a key divisional conference game.  Tipoff is at 8:00 p.m.