Box Score

The Muhlenberg men's basketball team hung tough against defending Centennial Conference champion Johns Hopkins but came away with an 80-75 loss in the first of two games against nationally ranked opponents in a four-day span.

The Blue Jays (15-2, 9-1), who came in with an 11-game winning streak and ranked 24th in Division III, led for almost the entire game but could not shake the determined Mules (8-9, 3-7). Hopkins held a 10-point lead early in the second half, but the spread was no more than seven for a good chunk of the period.

Muhlenberg had one possession with a chance to tie, down 59-56 with about eight minutes left. A free throw by freshman Nick Rindock cut the gap to two points before the Blue Jays scored the next two baskets to build some breathing room.

Rindock scored a career-high 24 points and added six rebounds and four assists without a turnover. Sophomore John Hunter (pictured above) added 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, with sophomores Brandon LaRose (8 rebounds) and Jon Schreer (4 assists) scoring 10 apiece.

The Mules shot 58 percent in the second half against a Blue Jay team that entered the week in the top 20 in Division III in scoring defense.