An early run was the difference as the Muhlenberg men's basketball team fell to DeSales, 74-60, in the last home event of 2023.

The Mules (3-5) got off to a good start when sophomore Nate Hoffman hit a three on the first possession of the game. But they missed their next nine shots while the Bulldogs (7-2) scored 15 straight points to take control.

Muhlenberg made runs in both halves. In the first half, threes by sophomore Drew Greene and junior Charlie Gillikin, sandwiched around a fast-break layup by senior Giovanni Rubino, accounted for an 8-0 run that cut a 22-10 deficit to 22-18. DeSales responded with an 8-2 run, however, to bring its advantage back to double digits, and took a 13-point lead into the locker room.

The margin swelled to 22 early in the second half before the Mules came back again. Back-to-back threes by Rubino and Gillikin brought Muhlenberg to within five points, 56-51, with six minutes remaining. The Bulldogs converted a three-point play on their next possession and maintained a comfortable lead for the rest of the game.

Junior Jayson Williams-Johnson (pictured above) sparked Muhlenberg in the second half, scoring 13 of his season-high 19 points. Rubino finished with 14 points and 3 assists.