PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Neumann University Men's Basketball team hit the floor for the first time in 2026-2027 as they challenged Division One's La Salle University in a 107-61 exhibition loss on Tuesday night.
The Knights sunk the first shot of the game as
Jackson Pugh nailed a jumper for an early 2-0 lead. A second Pugh shot made it 4-3 for Neumann but La Salle went on an eight-point run to establish the lead for good. With 12:53 remaining in the first half, the Explorer lead increased to 15 before
Jayson Love hit the next three shots, pulling the Knights within nine. Neumann's deficit exploded to 34 before a last-second three by Love made it a 60-29 game at the break.
La Salle continued to good on significant runs throughout the second half, leading by 51 with 9:28 to play. Over the next three minutes, the Knights went off for 11 points in row to gain some confidence and show off some bright spots and potential for the new season to come.
Love led the way with 22 points with Pugh following with nine.
Jarell Keel was Neumann's top rebounder with six along with two steals.
Rich Hampton led with five assists.
Neumann will get the season started on Friday, November 6
th as they head to Collegeville for the Bear Bash Tip-Off Tournament. They take on the hosts, Ursinus College, for a 5:30 PM tip-off.
