MANSFIELD – Eli Alvin and Taylor Sweeney led a balanced offensive attack for Mansfield, pouring in 18 points each as Mansfield upended non-conference foe Roberts Wesleyan 75-65 Monday night at First Citizens Community Bank Court at Decker Gymnasium.
The Mountaineers (4-17, 1-13 PSAC) never trailed in the contest, opening up the game on 6-0 run forcing an early Roberts Wesleyan (9-9, 5-5 ECC) timeout. After the RedHawks pulled it back to as close as two, Mansfield would respond. Stretching their lead to as far as 15 in the first-half. Sweeney poured in 13 points before the intermission, to go along with 12 first-half points from junior guard Garrett Cook.
Roberts Wesleyan responded coming out of the locker room, scoring the first five points of the second half. But, Mansfield answered by going on a 5-0 run to force another timeout by the RedHawks. The Mountaineers would stretch their lead to as far as 14 before defeating Roberts Wesleyan by the score of 75-65.
Sophomore guard Eli Alvin was a force on both sides of the ball, compiling a career-high 18 points and eight rebounds to go along with five assists. Sweeney continued to be Mr. Consistent, finishing with his third double-double effort of the season, going for 18 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists. It was the 11th straight game in double-figures for the sophomore.
The double-figure scoring effort did not stop there, as Cook was on fire from 3-point land, hitting 5-of-7 (71%) from distance. That effort increased Cook's 3-point field goal percentage to 42% on the season, the third best in the PSAC. Junior guard Tyler Moffe finished out the Mountaineers in double-figures with 10 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists.
The Mansfield win avenges an 18-point loss to the Red Hawks earlier this season. Mansfield hit 41% of their shots from the field, along with hitting 13-of-29 (45%) from distance. Roberts Wesleyan shot only 36.5% (23-63) from the field, along with 26% (7-27) from 3-point land.
The RedHawks were led in scoring by Peyton McLaurin who finished with 14 points to go along with seven rebounds. He was followed by Michael Bush who added 10 points of his own.
Mansfield, who has now won three of their last four, will look to continue their winning ways as they play host to Lock Haven this Wednesday, Feb. 6. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
