BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball team opened its 2018-19 season hosting Keuka Saturday at the KOA Arena.

The Wolves (1-0) defeated the Panthers (0-1), 67-47, in the season opener.

"Obviously, not the outcome we were hoping for, but the guys played tough and at times defended really well," Head Coach Ryan Shay said following his first career contest as a head coach. "We need to execute our zone offense better, but give credit to Keuka. They were very active and made it difficult to score. I thought Justin gave us a great spark off the bench tonight and played with a lot of energy."

Justin Kusiappouh led the team with 13 points and eight boards.

Reggie Rogers scored 11 points.

Desmond Brogsdale played 33 tough minutes for the Panthers, scoring seven points while pulling in five rebounds.

In 32 minutes on the floor, George Alston dropped nine points, topping his career best.

Points were hard to come by for both teams in the early minutes, as a Zach Reigel layup at the 12:41 mark put Pitt-Bradford ahead 10-9.

A 12-3 Keuka run gave the Wolves a double-figure lead with 6:29 remaining in the half.

A conventional three-point play in the closing seconds of the half sent Keuka into halftime with a 36-17 advantage.

Despite an even second half, the halftime deficit would be insurmountable and Keuka would eventually hold on for the win.

The Wolves narrowly outscored the Panthers 31-30 in the half.

Keuka shot 45.1 percent from the field while Pitt-Bradford connected on 28.3 percent of its field goals.

Rogers, Brogsdale and Alston each connected on a three-ball. 

The Pitt-Bradford defense forced 18 Keuka turnovers while turning the ball over 15 times themselves.

Up next, Pitt-Bradford will play a pair of games in the Stevenson Tournament next Friday and Saturday.