DANVILLE, Ill. — An early deficit proved too much to overcome as Penn Valley lost 77-67 to Brown Mackie on Thursday in the NJCAA Division II men’s tournament.

A stifling defense by Brown Mackie kept Penn Valley from getting into a rhythm and caused turnovers that Brown Mackie turned into easy points in transition.

Brown Mackie quickly took a 10-point lead in the first half, but Penn Valley aided by 11 points from sophomore Erin Jones, was able to cut the lead to four points at halftime.

Brown Mackie got hot at the opening of the second half. Wendell Pierre seven quick points helped Brown Mackie go up by as many as 17 points before cooling off.

Penn Valley now moves to the consolation bracket and will play Moraine Valley (Ill.) or Monroe (N.Y.) at 3 p.m. Friday.