Lafayette's men basketball team entered into the Patriot League opener for the first time ever with a winning record. Of course, the basketball team has struggled in the past couple of years, but this was no letdown. They had a lot of people coming back, but were still picked to finish dead last in the Patriot League. So these Leopards were 0-7 against HC and things weren't in their favor against the defending league champs. So Saturday at the Kirby Sports Center, Lafayette showed them, Easton, and the Patriot League what they could do. Senior Bilal Abdullah had 14 points and a team low 17 field goals were enough to beat the preseason favorites 60-52. Some game notes, courtesy of http://goleopards.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011208aaa.html ...

GAMES NOTES:
• Lafayette men's basketball was welcomed home to Kirby for the first time since a Dec. 3 when they won 81-56 over NJIT by a crowd of 2,842 this afternoon.
• With two three's against Holy Cross, Andrew Brown is now tied for 12th on the single season record list with 51 in 2007-08. He is tied with Brian Ehlers (1999-00) and Paul Cummins (2005-06).
• Lafayette hit 10 or more three-pointers for the 13th time this season, going 10-of 21 led by four from Matt Betley and three from Bilal Abdullah.
• The Leopards are now 7-11 in Patriot League openers since the beginning play in the conference in 1990-91.
• Lafayette recorded its victory against Holy Cross in a conference opener and stands at 1-5 in openers against the Crusaders.
• Men's basketball has played 611 games against the seven members of the Patriot League, and has 337-273 record in all games against and 96-129 in regular season matchups.
• Fran O'Hanlon is 14-13 against Holy Cross in his 13th season behind the bench on College Hill.
• The Leopards 17 field goals against Holy Cross were a new season-low, the previous low of 19 was set at Stony Brook (11/12/07) and at Mississippi State (1/5/08).

The Leopards go on the road to face Colgate on Wednesday. Good luck Leopards!

Anthony E.