Bloom Pulls Away from Mounties in Second Half

MANSFIELD – Brad Williams scored a game-high 20 points but it won't be enough to stop Bloomsburg from pulling away in the second half in handing Mansfield a 79-71 setback in a PSAC East contest Saturday afternoon on First Citizens Community Bank Court in Decker Gymnasium.

Mansfield jumped out to a 4-0 lead on two baskets by Williams to start the game before the playoff-bound Huskies went on an 11-0 run, taking an 11-4 advantage on a layup by Christian Mortellite seven minutes into the game.

The Mountaineer tied the game at 13-13 two minutes later on a pair of free throws from Thomas Moore as the two team battle back and forth throughout a first half that featured seven ties and three lead changes.

Mansfield held a 30-27 lead after a 3-pointer by Moore with just under three minutes remaining in the half but Bloomsburg retook the lead 35-34 at intermission.

The second half remained tight over the first 10 minutes with the Huskies holding a slim 50-48 advantage after another Moore three-pointer at the midway point of the second half.

But Bloomsburg went on a 14-4 run over the next five minutes taking a 64-52 lead on a three-pointer by Alex Prislupsky and Mansfield never recovered.

The Mountaineers shot just 38% from the floor to Bloomsburg's 46% and the Huskies made nine 3-pointers to Mansfield's three.

MU did win the battle of the glass, pulling down 43 rebounds to Bloomsburg's 33. Mansfield had one of the best-ever days in program history at the line, hitting 20-of-21 free throws.

Williams scored a season-high 20 points with Matt Tamanosky recording his fifth double-double of the season with 18 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Moore added 17 points while dishing out five assists.

Mortellite topped five Bloomsburg players in double-figures with 17 points.

Mansfield has a bye on Wednesday before traveling to West Chester on Saturday.