MANSFIELD, Pa. – The Mansfield Mountaineers men's basketball team (3-3) hosted Pitt-Johnstown (2-5) in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East-West crossover clash on Saturday afternoon as the Mounties pushed out an explosive second half adjustment to claim the 68-57 victory. 

Scott Woodring led the way with 15 points and nine rebounds on the afternoon.  

Idris Ali inked 11 points on the scoreboard and grabbed six rebounds. 

Saraj Ali and Gabe Perez each posted ten points. 

Pitt-Johnstown hit the gas pedal immediately, starting out on a 10-0 lead through the first four minutes and extending their lead to 16-7 halfway through the first half. 

The Mounties pushed back and closed the gap to a narrow 30-27 lead for the Mountain Cats at halftime. In the final five minutes, the team dropped the final nine of 12 points, including four from Woodring and three from S. Ali. 

Thirteen straight points from the Mountaineers started out the second half in an emphatic burst from the locker room to take the 40-30 lead, with six coming from the big man Woodring. 

UPJ returned fire, posting a 9-2 run over the next three minutes to limit the damage to a three point game. 

With a slim 48-46 lead for the Mounties, eight straight points from Perez pushed the Mounties out to a strong 56-48 advantage. 

The defense held strong, holding the Mountain Cats to just nine points over the final nine minutes as Mansfield picked up their first conference victory, 68-57. 

UP NEXT: 
The Mounties head on the road to face Roberts Wesleyan in nonconference action on December 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.