WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes University men's basketball team fell by an 88-70 final to the University of Scranton in the finale of the 2016-17 Cross County Challenge at the Marts Center on Sunday afternoon.

The Colonels fell to 4-2 with the defeat.

The Royals jumped out to an early 10-0 lead with their forwards accounting for eight of the points. Wilkes was unable to cut the deficit lower than six as Scranton finished the first half on a 36-29 run to take a 46-29 lead into halftime.

The Royals began the second half on a 21-9 run to push their lead to 21 at 57-36 with 16:13 on the clock. Scranton reached its largest lead with 5:45 left in the game at 83-57.

The Colonels were led by Marcus Robinson (Swedesboro, N.J./Kingsway Regional)'s game-high 23 points. Johnny Bamford (Washington, NJ/Warren Hills) added a career-high 11 points in 14 minutes off the bench, the first time in double-figures for his young career.

John Vitkus led Scranton with 17 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Ethan Danzig (14 points, five rebounds), Drew Schankweiler (14 points, six rebounds), and Kevin Doolan (10 points, three assists) all finished in double-figures while Kyle DeVerna contributed 10 points and three assists off the bench.

Robinson and Evans were both named to the All-Tournament Team for their efforts.

Wilkes returns to the floor on Wednesday when it will host Drew University at the Marts Center beginning at 7 p.m.