MANSFIELD, Pa. – The Lock Haven University men's basketball team (9-11, 6-10 PSACE) dropped a road matchup with Mansfield University (6-15, 5-11 PSACE), 88-84, in a thrilling Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division contest on Wednesday night.
 
Mansfield took early control of the game in the first half behind a strong 50 percent shooting from the floor and led by as many as 12 points before taking a 36-31 lead into the break.
 
The Mounties looked to control the half and did not trail the Bald Eagles at all in the second. Mansfield was able to build up a 72-64 lead with just two minutes to play, but the Haven then sparked a huge late 7-1 scoring run with some clutch shooting to force the game to overtime at 73-73.
 
The Bald Eagle comeback story fell just short in overtime as Mansfield locked down defensively and held on for an 88-84 win.
 
Christian Kelly (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville) led the way for the Haven scoring 24 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Kelly also posted a game high three steals and handed out three assists as he attempted to push the Haven to a road win.
 
Jesse McPherson (Philadelphia/Archbishop Carrol) was a force in the paint for the Bald Eagles scoring 17 points and hauling in a game high 14 rebounds. Nasir Campbell (Philadelphia/ Simon Gratz) also recorded a double-double for Lock Haven notching 15 points and 13 rebounds.
 
Matt Cerruti (Huntingdon Valley, Pa./Archbishop Wood) posted 19 points including 2-3 from beyond the arc for the Bald Eagles. Cerruti also dished out three assists.
 
Next Up:
 
Lock Haven will return to action on Saturday, February 8 when they host Kutztown. That game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. tip.