SLIPPERY ROCK, PA – La Roche men's basketball (1-1) out-rebounded Slippery Rock (2-0), the top rebounding team in NCAA Division II, on the offensive glass in their 62-56 loss on Monday night. The nail-biting defeat narrowly missed a 2-0 start for the Redhawks against Division II competition.

La Roche jumped out to an early lead and entered halftime tied at 30-30 thanks to 9 first half points from Derek Barber-Richards. The Redhawks hung tough in the second half and were within 2 points late, but Slippery Rock converted their free throws to pull away in the final minute.

Lionel Perkins led the Redhawks with 13 points on 5 of 14 shooting and Derek Barber-Richards added 12 points. David Jackson finished with 9 points and 6 rebounds and Andre Flanigan registered 4 assists and 2 steals to go along with 6 points.

La Roche dominated the turnover battle committing just 8 turnovers while forcing 17. The Redhawks also out-rebounded Slippery Rock 17-13 on the offensive glass and drained four more 3-pointers.

La Roche men's basketball will travel to St. Vincent on Tuesday at 7:00PM before returning to the Kerr Fitness Center on Saturday for their home-opener against Geneva. The Redhawks are 5-2 against PAC competition over the past two seasons.