Sophomores Jayden Thomas (Parkland) and Luke Keppel (Whitehall) combined for 44 points leading the DeSales University men’s basketball team past FDU-Florham, 70-65, in the MAC Freedom opener, recently.

DeSales started quickly in this one taking a 16-6 lead over the first seven minutes.

Thomas scored the final five points in the quick start.

The lead remained 10 (24-14) with about six minutes left before the Devils closed the half on an 11-3 spurt to trail by just three points (28-25) at the break.

The lead changed hands 12 times in the second-half and with 2:09 to go saw FDU leading by three (64-61).

Keppel was fouled on a three-pointer with 1:54 to go and made all three freebies to tie game at 64.

After the Bulldogs got a stop, senior Chris Edwards came up big with a putback with 55 seconds left to give DSU a two-point lead.

A foul on the other end saw the Devils hit 1-of-2 free throws to trim the margin down to one.

Out of a timeout, Thomas scored on a driving layup with 29.8 ticks left to give the Bulldogs a three-point lead.

On the other end, sophomore Emanuel Domingo blocked a tying attempt and Keppel was there to grab the rebound, hitting two free throws on the other end to ice the win.

Keppel led all scorers with 23 points, hitting 5 threes.

Thomas stuffed the stat sheet once again with 21 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals.