DAYTONA, Fla. (Duhawks.com) - A change of scenery proved to be the difference for the Loras Men's Basketball team, who entered Sunday's contest on a five-game losing streak. In their first game at the "Land of Magic Classic", hosted by Embry-Riddle University, the Duhawks grinded out a 72-69 victory over Lebanon Valley College.

After taking a day to soak in the warm weather, Loras (4-6) awoke on Sunday ready to go to work. Right out of the gates, the Duhawks proved they were all business as they began the game on a 6-0 run. They grew that lead to 19 over the first seven minutes of the game, while holding Lebanon Valley (7-4) to a mere four points.

The team exposed a significant size advantage in the post with juniors Mirko Grcic and Justin Schneider. In a response to try and deter the size disadvantage, the Dutchmen switched from a man-to-man defense to a zone defense. This switch forced the Duhawk offense to take more perimeter shots.

Lebanon Valley's adjustment proved itself as Loras shot 1-of-9 from beyond the arc in the first half, allowing for the Dutchmen to creep back into the ballgame. Preseason All-American Kevin Agnew, who scored a game high 20 points, began to influence their offensive side of the ball and close the scoring gap to just seven at the half.

Both sides traded blows in the second half, but Loras' resiliency stood tall as they refused to surrender the lead.

After being held to 34.4 percent shooting in the first half, Lebanon Valley responded by going 11-of-22 in the second half, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. Loras' defense did everything it could to keep Agnew in check, holding him to just 3-of-8 shooting in the second half. Agnew's teammate, Andy Orr, picked up the slack, scoring 11 points in the second half which helped aid the Dutchmen's comeback attempt.

The Duhawks recognized the 2-3 zone that Lebanon Valley instituted and countered on offense with great ball movement to the open player, recording a season high 21 assists.

Leading 70-69 with 32 seconds remaining, Loras Head Coach Greg Gorton called a timeout to draw up the play that he hoped would give Loras the victory.

Out of the timeout, the Duhawks worked the ball into Grcic who battled his way through and drained the jumper in the paint to give Loras a three-point lead with 18 seconds to go.

A late three-point attempt by Travis Conrad missed, sealing the 72-69 victory for the Duhawks.