HOBOKEN, N.J. (February 15, 2020)  – Graduate student Kevin Florio scored 16 points on 4 of 7 shooting from behind the arc to lead the Stevens Institute of Technology men's basketball team to a 75-61 victory over Eastern University Saturday in a MAC Freedom contest at Canavan Arena.

Senior Spencer Cook added 14 points and classmate JoJo Mosca added 11 for the Ducks, who moved to 19-4 on the year and to 10-2 in conference play. Stevens, ranked first in the Atlantic Region earlier in the week by the NCAA in its first set of regional rankings, has won six straight games to climb into sole possession of first place in the MAC Freedom with two games remaining. A victory Tuesday evening over FDU-Florham and DeSales victory over Eastern in Center Valley will give Stevens at least a share of a conference regular-season title for the first time since the 2012-13 season. The Ducks can win the regular-season crown outright with wins in their final two contests. Stevens has topped both teams that earned victories over the Ducks in the first half of the conference schedule.

Draig Ruff led Eastern with 14 points and 11 rebounds and Victor Pena added seven points and seven boards as the Eagles fell to 14-9 on the season. Eastern dropped to 9-3 in league play and are tied for second place in the MAC Freedom. The teams play each other on Feb. 18. 

The Ducks made 11 of their 19 attempts from the arc to shoot 57.9 percent for the game, marking the team's second-best three-point shooting percent on the season. Florio was largely responsible for the team's explosive start, draining four first-half threes to help the Ducks build a 33-19 lead at the intermission. The Stamford, Connecticut native also pulled down four boards and nabbed three steals. 

In addition to the Ducks' sharp-shooting, Stevens used its nationally-ranked defense to thwart Eastern in the first half. In their meeting earlier this season, Eastern shot 50 percent from the floor, including 14 for 23 (60.8) in the second half. In today's meeting, a smothering effort in the interior, held the visiting Eagles to 7 of 19 shooting over the first 20 minutes, including just 2 of 8 from behind the arc in taking control of the game.

Ruff opened the contest with a three, but Florio sank consecutive three-pointers to put Stevens in front. The fifth-year guard's second three sparked an 8-0 run that Eastern was unable to overcome. 

Florio's second set of back-to-back three pushed Stevens' advantage to 17 and forced an Eastern timeout. Senior Michael Zignorski sent the teams into the intermission with a long jumper to put Stevens up by 14.

The second half saw Eastern trim Stevens' lead to nine, but the resilient Ducks had an answer every time the Eagles pulled within double digits. Junior Maguire Sweeney hit the Ducks' final three of the day, pushing Stevens' lead back to double digits for the final time in the game. Cook hit three free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. Stevens closed out the game by making each of its last three attempts from the floor.

Pivotal Point

• Leading by 10, a technical foul against Pena, proved to end Eastern's comeback bid.
• After a Florio steal, freshman Matt Crowley was fouled hard on a breakaway and was headed to the line.
• Pena was whistled for a technical foul following the play.
• Senior Michael Zignorski converted both free throws and Crowley went 1 for 2 as Stevens pushed its lead to 13.

Inside the Numbers

• Eastern ended up outshooting Stevens, 48 percent to 42. The Ducks held the edge from behind the arc, outshooting the Eagles, 58 percent to 31.
• Junior Alec DiPietrantonio led the Ducks with seven rebounds, while adding 10 points. The Mount Laurel, New Jersey native also blocked one shot for his 100th career block to become the fifth player in program history to record 100 career blocks.
• Crowley finished with a game-high five assists.
• Eastern won the battle of the boards, pulling down 35 rebounds against 32 for the Ducks, although Stevens held a 13-9 margin on the offensive glass. The edge on the offensive glass helped the Ducks gain a 20-9 lead in second-chance points.
• The Ducks forced 22 turnovers on the day, turning them into 20 points.
• Cook finished the day 7 for 8 from line as the Ducks sank 12 of their 15 free throws.
• If the Ducks win one of their two final games, they will reach the 20-win plateau for the first time since 2012-13 and the fourth time under head coach Bobby Hurley. The program has just five 20-win seasons in its history.
• Each of Stevens' starters pulled down at least four rebounds.
• Freshman Lorenzo Spinazzi made his collegiate debut in the second half.

Unsung Hero

• Mosca scored eight of his 11 points in the second half, making both of his three-point attempts over the game's final 20 minutes. The Branchburg, New Jersey native finished 3 for 3 from behind the arc was the team's second-highest scorer in the second half.

From the Court (Head Coach Bobby Hurley)

• "I was really happy with our group today. The effort was great right from the start and we played through some foul trouble and dry spells on offense. Eastern played really hard and we were able to withstand every one of their runs. JoJo, Maguire and Kevin hit some big shots for us in the second half."

Up Next

• Men's Basketball continues conference play against FDU-Florham in Madison on Feb. 18.
• Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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