SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Bald Eagles turned it up in the second half on the road and made a big run late to get back into the game, but the Lock Haven University men's basketball team (3-4, 2-2 PSAC) was edged out by Slippery Rock University (5-5, 2-1 PSAC), 79-71, tonight in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) crossover action.
 
After trailing big in the second half, Lock Haven went on a run and a Matt Cerruti (Huntingdon Valley, Pa./Archbishop Wood) layup with 7:22 left in the game highlighted a 12-4 Haven run which cut the Rock lead to 63-56. The Bald Eagles continued to hang tough down the stretch, but just couldn't get back to level with the hosts.
 
A big key for the Bald Eagles tonight was their 3-point shooting particularly in the second half. Lock Haven sunk 12 3's in the game including eight in the second half. LHU shot 47 percent from 3-point range in the second half to get back into the contest.
 
Cerruti drilled four second-half 3's and finished with a game-high 20 points. Christian Kelly (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville) netted 18 points and Jaylen Washington (Frederick, Md./Tuscarora) scored 10 points.
 
Jesse McPherson (Philadelphia/Archbishop Carrol) added eight points and 10 rebounds.
 
Cerruti did it all and added seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Washington also played well up and down the court, adding three assists and three steals.
 
Host Slippery Rock got off to a strong start and led 43-26 at halftime.
 
LHU will be right back in action tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 19) on the road in PSAC action at Edinboro (7:30 p.m.).