GLENSIDE, Pa.- The Arcadia University men's basketball team held off a comeback attempt by Widener University on Wednesday night at Alumni Gymnasium for a 75-70 Commonwealth Conference win. The Knights improved to 5-3 in conference play and 9-8 overall with their third straight win, while the Pride fell to 2-6 in conference and 9-8 overall with their sixth straight loss.
 
With 11:15 remaining in the first half and Arcadia up 19-16, the Knights went on a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 28-16 with 8:43 left. Arcadia went into halftime up 34-25.
 
The Knights opened the second half on a 6-0 run to push their lead to 15 at 40-25. Five minutes later, Arcadia finished off another 6-0 run to push its lead to game-high 18 points, 47-29 with 12:21 remaining in the game.
 
Widener would keep battling and put together a strong comeback effort, but was unable to make it all the way back. The Pride outscored Arcadia 18-9 over the final 2:27 of the game for the 75-70 final.
 
The Knights were led by sophomore guard Ryan Kelley's 24 points and senior forward Joe Brown added 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Junior guard John Landro contributed nine points.
 
Widener was led by senior guard Mark Pryzbylkowksi's 21 points, while freshman guard Sardayah Sambo and junior forward Carlos Taylor had 13 points each. Junior guard Laron Byrd chipped in with 12 points.
 
Arcadia had a 32-24 advantage on points in the paint and 10-2 edge in fast break scoring. The Knights shot 51 percent (24-47) in the game while holding the Pride to 42 percent (25-59) from the floor.
 
Arcadia returns to action on Saturday when it will host Hood College for a 3 p.m. Commonwealth Conference tip-off.