Clarks Summit, Pa. - The College of Saint Elizabeth's men's basketball team (0-1, 0-0 NEAC) fell in the season opener at Clarks Summit University, 80-79 on Wednesday evening.

The Defenders from Clarks Summit jumped out early, scoring 17 of the first 21 points to take a 17-4 lead five minutes into the first half.  Over the next ten minutes, the Eagles could only manage to get within eight before the Defenders took their biggest lead of the game at 34-19 with 6:44 remaining in the half.  

During the next four minutes, CSE roared back, using a balanced offense to go on a 15-0 run to the the game at 34.  With 2:21 to go in the half, Cam Tucker buried a three-pointer to give CSE its first lead of the game at 37-36.  The Defenders closed out the half with a layup to take a 40-39 lead into the halftime break.

The Eagles came out strong in the second half, pouring in the first six points to take its largest lead of the game at 45-40.   CSE pushed the lead to as much as seven before Clarks Summit went on a 7-0 run to tie the score at 53.  Knotted at 55, the Defenders went on a 10-0 run to regain a double-digit lead halfway through the half.  Just like the first half, the Eagles would not go away, going on an 11-2 run to get within 66-65 with five minutes remaining.

Both teams traded buckets over the next two minutes before Devon Tuten hit two clutch free throws to tie the score at 71.  Trailing 73-71 with 1:33 remaining, Shaquan Mickens buried home a corner three-pointer to give the Eagles a 74-73 lead.  With the game tied at 76, the Defenders scored the next four points before Tucker hit a three-pointer to get the Eagles within one with three seconds remaining.  Following two missed free throws by the Defenders, the Eagles had a chance to win the game, but were unable to get a shot off in the final three seconds, dropping the game by one.

Tucker finished with career high 21 points.  Roland Romano added 15 points and 11 rebounds while Tuten added 10 points.

CSE returns to action on Friday when it travels to FDU-Florham for a 7 pm tip.