Carter Scores Game-High 22 Points But ESU Pulls Away

EAST STROUDSBURG – Malik Carter scored a game-high 22 points but it wouldn't be enough as East Stroudsburg went on a 17-9 run over the final five minutes to pull out a 66-57 win over Mansfield in a PSAC East contest Wednesday evening.

Mansfield put on one of its best defensive efforts of the season, holding the PSAC's leading offense, which averaged 88.8 points per game into the contest, to more than 22 points below its season average.

After a slow start, Mansfield took a 31-22 lead with just under five minutes to play in the first half on a 3-pointer by Carter. East Stroudsburg countered going on a 10-0 run to take a 32-31 advantage into halftime.

The game remained tight through much of the second half with Mansfield trailing 47-45 on a 3-pointer by Cedrick Powell with just under seven minutes to play.

Mansfield cut the lead to one point at 49-48 on a jumper by Carter two minutes later, but East Stroudsburg went on an 11-2 run to build a 62-50 advantage with just over a minute remaining.

ESU scored one more field goal than Mansfield (21-20) with the game being decided on the free throw line with the Warriors hitting 20-29 attempts to Mansfield's 13-19. East Stroudsburg held a 42-30 advantage in rebounds.

Carter just missed a double-double with nine rebounds to go along with his game-high 22 points with Da'Quan Jones adding 10 points.

Kitt Najee Walls topped four Warriors in double-figures with 14 points.

Mansfield travels to West Chester Saturday.