WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- Penn College senior guard Livingston Cross posted a 25-point, 16-rebound double-double - his fifth in six games - despite the Wildcats falling short, 78-60 at King's College on Saturday afternoon in nonconference men's basketball action. The Wildcats fell to 2-4 on the season, while the Monarchs improved to 3-1. 

How it happened: The Wildcats and Monarchs battled through a back-and-forth first half with the largest lead being eight through the first 20 minutes of action. A Cross layup with 9:59 to go tied the game at 20-20 before King's used an 8-3 run over the next two minutes. Julien Leveille drained a three to cut the lead to just two (28-26) but the Monarchs took a 37-31 lead into the break. 

King's used a 41-point second half burst while holding Penn College to 29 points. 

Inside the box: Cross was the lone Wildcat to reach double figures as DJ Smith III, chipped in with eight points, four rebounds and four assists. The Wildcats outrebounded the Monarchs, 48-43, and earned 21 second chance points while limiting King's to just eight.

All five Monarch starters finished with 11-or-more points. 

Up next: Penn College opens United East play against newcomer, Penn State Brandywine on Tuesday, 7 p.m. inside Bardo Gym.