HIRAM, Ohio – January 3, 2026 – Hiram opened the 2026 calendar year on Saturday afternoon with a 72–62 home loss to Penn State Behrend inside Price Gymnasium.

DJ Niles led the Terriers with a strong all-around performance, posting 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks while shooting 8-of-13 from the floor. Collin Jones and Mitchell Wiechecki contributed a combined 17 points off the bench, too. Hiram also received 7 points from Liam Gopalakrishna and 5 points apiece from Josh Martin and Drovinsky Ulysse.

Hiram stayed competitive on the glass, outrebounding the Lions, 31-26, and scoring 38 points in the paint, but Penn State Behrend capitalized on transition opportunities and turnovers, scoring 14 points off turnovers and pulling away midway through the second half.

The Terriers will continue conference play next Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. as they look to build momentum in the new year when they take on the Geneva Golden Tornadoes on the road in conference play.