Bethlehem, PA – Freshman JUSTIN PORTER scored 21 points leading a strong showing from the Montclair State bench as the Red Hawks ended 2016 on a winning note with an 87-78 victory over PSU Lehigh Valley in the Greyhound Classic on Saturday.

Freshman EDDIE EMEDOH added 14 points and eight rebounds while JALEEL CHRISTMON collected 12 points as the Red Hawks squared their record at 6-6. Porter was named to the All-Tournament Team.

MSU got 63 of its 87 points from its bench as it overcame a 45-41 deficit at halftime. Christmon scored on a layup with 12:13 for a 20-18 lead however Lehigh Valley scored the next eight points, the last three by Shane Schmidt to take the lead for the remainder of the half.

A three-pointer by Jordan Young to open the second half increased the lead to 48-41 before the Red Hawks went on a 17-4 run over the next five minutes. VINCE ANFIELD began the spurt and a Christmon layup put Montclair in front 50-49 with 16:31 to play. Porter and DREW WALKER each hit from behind the arc before Christmon capped everything with a layup for a 58-52 advantage.

Penn State countered with the next four points to close within two points however Porter, who had 19 of his points in the second half, scored then next seven to restore the lead to 65-56. ISAIAH CHANNER finished off a fastbreak to push the lead to double digits which the Red Hawks maintained the rest of the way.

Walker had eight points while Channer added six points, five rebounds and six assists. Anfield totaled nine points with DANIEL RAMIS posting eight points and three rebounds.

Montclair State is back in action on Wednesday, January 4 when it hosts NJAC leader New Jersey City at the Panzer Athletic Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm.