Photo: Jocelyn Kline

The Elizabethtown College men’s basketball team went up against King’s College Wednesday, Nov. 28 and came out with a strong win.

As the Jays shot 57.1% and passed their opponent in free throws and three-pointers, they built a strong lead and kept it throughout the game.

As the Monarchs struggled to keep up, senior Michael Pastore stayed persistent in his offensive efforts. Pastore managed to score 26 total points for the team, five of them being three-pointers. Whereas his old personal record was an astounding 19 points, he passed this with ease against the Monarchs.

Junior Bryce Greene also worked with Pastore to create bigger opportunities for the blue and gray. Greene made this his fourth game reaching double digits, ending the match with 19 total points draining two three-point opportunities.

Senior Matt Thomas earned eight points as well, supporting the Blue Jays lead. Junior Ethan DuBois registered six total assists along with first-year Zach Nannen who had a total of 10 points to give the Jays some security. In total, the Jays turned 17 turnovers into 25 points dominating offensively and defensively.

Saturday, Dec. 1 the team traveled to Bethlehem, Pa. to face Moravian College in a Landmark Conference opener.

In a close game, the two teams kept high energy and competition by swapping the lead seven total times throughout the game. Etown shot 41.9% almost matching the hounds’ 43.9%. Senior Brandon Berry did manage to score 19 points, a new record for him this season. Along with him was Pastore, who scored 14 points and DuBois who earned 15 points.

Junior Connor Moffatt added to the competition with nine points and nine boards.

Although this match held great efforts from both sides, Moravian ultimately took the win with the final being 72-88. This is Moravians’ eighth win over Etown dating back to the 2014-15 season.

The Jays will play again Saturday, Dec. 8 at Valley Forge College starting at 3 p.m.