The Muhlenberg men's basketball team took its opponent to the closing seconds in a tough place to play but fell to DeSales, 71-67, in its last game of 2017.

For the second straight game, the Mules featured a balanced scoring attack, with four starters - one from each class - reaching double figures in points: senior JeanLee Baez (13), junior Brendan Hughes (12), sophomore Matt Gnias (11) and freshman Michael Morreale (10).

Although the Bulldogs (8-1), who have won 10 straight regular-season home games against non-conference opponents, led for most of the game, Muhlenberg never trailed by more than six points. The Mules faced their biggest deficit with 3:30 left before mounting a comeback effort.

Back-to-back three-pointers from Hughes, sandwiched around a DeSales basket, made it 65-63 at the two-minute mark. Muhlenberg still trailed by two, 69-67, after Gnias drained a three with 28.3 on the clock.

Gnias drew an offensive foul with 20.3 ticks on the clock, giving the Mules possession with a chance to tie or take the lead with a three. But Muhlenberg turned the ball over, and a pair of Bulldog free throws with 2.1 seconds left provided the final margin.

Gnias added 8 rebounds and 5 assists to his 11 points, while senior Nick Rindock also recorded 5 assists. Baez (pictured above) scored his 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting and pulled down 6 rebounds.

The four teams the Mules have played on the road this year have a combined record of 30-3.