McCollum’s 29 helps Lehigh beat Bucknell 81-59 for first place in Patriot League

Lehigh takes over 1st in 81-59 win over Bucknell

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — CJ McCollum scored 29 points to help Lehigh defeat Bucknell 81-59 on Wednesday night, claiming first place in the Patriot League with one game to go.

The Mountain Hawks (18-10, 9-4), averaging 74.4 points per game and 45 percent shooting at home, shot 60 percent in the first half (15 of 25) and led 42-27 at halftime.

Lehigh pulled away after a close first 10 minutes on a 12-1 run, which included eight straight points. Gabe Knutson’s layup gave the Mountain Hawks a 31-20 lead with 5:36 left in the first half.

Lehigh stretched its lead to as many as 27, 81-54, on Jordan Hamilton’s dunk with 1:55 remaining.

Prentice Small added 11 points and Knutson finished with 10 for the Mountain Hawks, who shot 46.7 percent from long range (7 of 15).

Mike Muscala scored 14 points and Bryson Johnson 10 for Bucknell (13-16, 8-5), which snapped a four-game winning streak.