CINCINNATI -- Daniel King and Asim Pleas each scored a season-high with 26 and 25 points, respectively, but it was not enough for Point Park University men's basketball in an 88-81 loss at Cincinnati Christian University on Saturday. CCU held on for the River States Conference victory with Blake Walsman putting up 28 points, 19 rebounds and six assists.

Point Park (5-9, 2-4 RSC) was within 72-69 on King's free throws with 6:30 left. CCU (8-9, 3-3 RSC) held on with a big effort from the foul line as the Eagles made 12 of 16 free throws the final 4:09 to win. The Eagles were 24 for 30 from the foul line the second half and 28 for 35 (80 percent) for the game.

Walsman led the free-throw shooting for CCU making 14 of 16. Kobe Brown scored 17 points and added 7 for 9 from the line. Brandon McQueen made 5 of 6 free throws on his way to 14 points. Jalen Robertson added 11 points to make it four Eagles in double digits.

The first half had neither team lead by more than two possessions. Point Park's biggest lead was 8-4 early on, and CCU later led, 26-20, before taking a slim edge of 36-35 at halftime.

Pleas, who was 9 for 15 from the field, hit a jumper to put the Pioneers ahead, 49-48, with 14:31 left. But CCU put together a very quick run of 13-0 over the next two minutes to take control, 61-49. Brown started the run with a jumper and finished it off with a trey.

But Point Park did not go away, and it was King and Pleas who carried the Pioneers. King made 8 of 15 field goals, 3 of 7 from long range and was a perfect 7 for 7 from the foul line. Pleas was 4 for 7 from deep before fouling out.

Three Point Park players fouled out as the personal fouls mounted. Tramell Perry fouled out with eight points and six rebounds. Cortez Allen fouled out with five points. Kyle Carrington contributed nine points and five boards.

Point Park shot 42 percent and committed just eight turnovers. CCU shot 48 percent overall and made 10 treys. The Eagles led in rebounding, 41-30, to help make up for 17 turnovers.

NEXT GAME
Point Park plays at No. 16 IU East on Tuesday, Jan. 8 for another RSC road game. The Pioneers have their next home game on Saturday, Jan. 12 versus Ohio Christian (3:00 p.m.).

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