Men's Basketball started off the new year by snapping a four-game losing streak on Wednesday night.

The Ravens lead nearly from start-to-finish in a 70-63 win at home against the Park University Pirates.

After taking a 6-point lead into halftime, the Ravens did everything they needed to in order to secure their first win since Dec. 2.

A basket by Brycen LaRue gave the Ravens a 10-point lead with 9:13 to play, but the Pirates fought back. Park got as close as 4 points with 1:32 to play, but the Ravens answered with a bucket by Haggan Hilgendorf, who was fouled on the play and took a hard fall to the floor. Hilgendorf shook off the fall and sank the free throw to help seal the win.

The Ravens used strong shooting to build a 35-29 lead at halftime. After the Pirates scored the first basket of the game, the Ravens went on an 8-0 run and held the lead the remainder of the game. They shot 46.4% from the field and knocked down four 3-pointers in the opening half. Brycen LaRue led the way for the Ravens, scoring 11 points in the opening 20 minutes, including three of the Ravens treys.

The Pirates also shot 46.4% from the field but the big difference was the lack of deep shooting for the visitors – Park hit just one 3-pointer in the opening half. Both teams grabbed 16 rebounds and turned the ball over 5 times.

The Pirates finished the night with 6 more rebounds than the Ravens, but the Ravens were able to turn Park over 4 more times while holding the Pirates to a season-low point total. The teams shot nearly identical with the Ravens finishing at 45.5% from the field and the Pirates 45.6%.

LaRue had a team-high 18 points to go along with 5 rebounds. Gino Corridori had 17 points and 4 boards, and Braden Belt added 10 points and 3 assists. Preston Reynolds was solid, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists, and Ahmad Louis had 6 points and 5 assists.

The Ravens (4-9, 3-7 Heart) will hit the road for a Saturday, Jan. 6 contest at Mount Mercy University.