Mountie Men Stun Clarion 68-65

MANSFIELD – Matt Tamanosky scored what would prove to be the winning-basket with 1:22 left and Da'Quan Jones made a potential game-saving steal in the last seconds as Mansfield stunned Clarion 68-65 in a PSAC cross-over contest Friday evening at First Citizens Community Bank Court in Decker Gymnasium.

The win was the first PSAC victory for Mansfield interim head coach Pat Zipfel and handed Clarion its first PSAC loss in five games this season.

"That was a fun game to watch and a great win for these kids," said Zipfel. "They've been working hard ever since I got here and they worked hard tonight."

The game was close throughout featuring 23 lead changes or ties.

Mansfield trailed 36-28 at halftime but used a 12-3 run over the first three minutes of the second half to take a 40-39 lead on a layup by Tamanosky.

Clarion rallied, taking a 58-53 lead on a pair of free throws by Rob Agurs with just over six minutes to play.

Thomas Moore stopped the Clarion run with a 3-pointer seconds later and Mansfield retook the lead on a steal and layup by Eric Lewis at 60-59 with just under five minutes remaining.

Clarion took its last lead of the night with two minutes left 65-64 on a layup by Agurs before Tamanosky would put Mansfield up for good with Gerisimos Koutoufas added a pair of critical free throws.

Tamanosky led four Mountaineers in double-figures with a game-high 18 points with Moore scoring 16 points. Koutoufas came off the bench to add 11 points with Joe Marshall scoring 10.

Tim Gill topped Clarion with 16 points.

Mansfield host Pitt-Johnstown Saturday afternoon.