MANSFIELD, Pa. – On Friday night, the Mansfield Mountaineers men's basketball team (2-3) opened their Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East-West crossover schedule with Clarion (3-3) as the Golden Eagles edged out a close 77-75 victory on Friday night.  

Saraj Ali and Michael Dickson led the team with 13 points each. 

The team shot 46.4% on the night, with an impressive first half earning 39 points. 

To open up the scoring, Mansfield drilled an early 14-2 lead to push a great start to the season home opener. The Golden Eagles returned a 11-2 run to limit the Bald Eagles to 16-13 halfway through the first half.  

Jordan Montgomery splashed two threes to bring the Mounties a double-digit lead.  

Mansfield held a 39-25 lead going into the half as the host shot 48.5% from the field from the offensive outburst posted.  

After the Mounties led by as much as 18 in the first half, Clarion found their rhythm from beyond the arc. 

With ten minutes of action remaining, the Golden Eagles reached within single digits, facing a 57-48 deficit.  

Two minutes remaining in Decker Gymnasium saw Clarion stun the crowd as the arc efficiency started a 10-0 run and the opponent held a 71-67 lead.  

Clarion never looked back and shocked the Mountaineer men to earn the crossover contest, dropping 52 points in the second half to win, 77-75. 

UP NEXT: 
The Mounties continue their weekend with a conference crossover contest with Pitt-Johnstown tomorrow in Decker Gymnasium. This Saturday battle will tip-off at 3 p.m.