The Muhlenberg men's basketball team played strong defense but could not generate enough offense and fell to New Jersey City, 49-37, in the first round of the WestConn Holiday Classic.

The Mules (5-5), who will play Emmanuel in the consolation game, entered their first game in 16 days ranked in the top 20 in Division III in both scoring defense (11th) and field-goal percentage defense (17th). They did nothing to hurt those rankings, holding the Knights (9-2) to 35.2-percent shooting and keeping them far below their season average of 70.9 points per game.

Muhlenberg struggled with New Jersey City's defensive pressure all game, but thanks to its defense and rebounding, led 31-27 five minutes into the second half. The Mules went cold from the field, however, missing their next 16 field-goal attempts in a span of nearly 12 minutes. By that time, the Knights had a 13-point lead.

Sophomore Drew Buck (pictured above) led Muhlenberg with 14 points. Junior Peter Stanton-Shepherd and sophomore Jack Woodard finished with 6 points and 8 rebounds apiece.