MANSFIELD, Pa. – Freshman
Justice Smith erupted for a career-high 37 points to bring the Mansfield University men's basketball team to a double overtime nail-biter against Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, but late-game free throw success allowed the Fighting Scots to escape with a 101-97 conference victory on Saturday night, Dec. 4 in Decker Gymnasium.
In a game that saw 15 lead changes and 14 ties, the Mounties (1-7 overall, 0-2 PSAC) dominated the fast break with 31 points and were defensively active with 13 total steals, but could not overcome the Fighting Scots on the boards or at the free throw line.
The Mounties had a strong first half showing as they went 44 percent from the field and held the Fighting Scots to 0 percent from three-point range. Up one point at the break, the Mounties returned for the second half with an active presence in the paint and a capitalization of fast break opportunities to stay in a back-and-forth contest with the Fighting Scots.
At the end, down three points with under a minute left in regulation,
Justice Smith made a lay-up and free throw to send the game into overtime.
In the first overtime period, both the Mounties and the Fighting Scots went 5-of-9 from the field and 100 percent from the charity stripe to result in another tie by the end of the five minutes. The resulting second overtime period came down to wire as both teams made two field goals, but the Fighting Scots doubled the Mounties 8-4 at the foul line to seal the win.
Justice Smith checked out as team leader in scoring and rebounding with 37 points and nine boards, alongside hitting 13-of-15 free throws. Senior
Eli Alvin totaled 19 points and three steals for the night, while sophomore
Marcus Friend dropped 13 points and dished out five assists. Freshman
Scott Woodring also reached double figures with a 12-point, eight rebound performance.
For Edinboro, Dominique Keyes led the way with 31 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks, while Jaryn Simpson gave an all-around performance of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
The Mounties return to action Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Mercyhurst University for more PSAC action.
