SCRANTON, Pa. - The first game of 2023 did not go as planned for Cecil men's basketball, as the Seahawks dropped an 85-78 decision to the Lackawanna Falcons on Saturday afternoon.

The loss overshadows an excellent game from Vernon Simmons. The sophomore guard had his way with the Lackawanna defense, scoring 28 points on 13-of-16 shooting. Simmons also collected 10 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the year. 

Simmons' teammates did not fair as well offensively, shooting 32% from the floor. Cecil's bench, normally a strong point for the Seahawks, was outscored 29-7 by Lackwanna.

The Seahawks fall to 9-7 on the season after the loss.

Turning Point

Simmons jumper pulled Cecil within one point of the lead with 3:34 left in the second half. Lackawanna responded with a 10-2 run, expaning the Falcons advantage to 83-74 with just over a minute to go. Simmons knocked down a pair of late shots to cut the deficit back again, but Cecil missed a pair of late threes to end their hopes of a rally.

Box Score Highlights

• Jordan Strickland collected 10 points and 11 rebounds, his fourth double-double of the year
• Frank Toney finished with 14 points and a team high four takeaways
• Dominick Carrington recorded 13 poitns and Cecil with four assists

Up Next

The Seahawks return home to face Delaware Tech this Wednesday, January 11 at 7 p.m.