SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.V. – The Mansfield University men's basketball team (5-17, 4-14 PSAC) fell on the road to Shepherd University (12-11, 9-8 PSAC), 79-61, in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) contest on Wednesday night, Feb. 8.

Idris Ali (19 points) and Manir Waller (11 points) were the lone Mounties to finish in double figures, with Ali shooting 54 percent from the floor and Waller pulling in five rebounds. Scott Woodring led MU with seven rebounds, adding nine points, while Gabe Perez knocked down three shots from behind the arch, totaling nine points.

The Mounties led 8-6 after two minutes of play, but the Rams scored on back-to-back possessions to regain the advantage, one they would not relinquish.

The Mounties tied the game two more times in the first half, but the Rams countered with mini runs each time to keep MU at bay.

Trailing 38-34 coming out of the break, the Mounties remained within striking distance to open the second half and a layup by Ali cut the deficit to single digits, 47-39, with 16:45 to go. However, the Rams knocked down a pair of free throws on the following possession to extend the lead back to double-digits, before eventually leading by as much as 20 to put the game out of reach.

The Rams were very efficient on offense, finishing the game 31-of-57 (54 percent) from the floor, while holding the Mounties to 21 makes on 52 attempts (40 percent).

The Rams made the most of their opportunities, converting 11 offensive rebounds to a game-high 20 points.

For the Rams, Carson Poffenberger led the offense with 17 points on 50 percent shooting, while Jon Preston added 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds. The Rams led 21-10 in points off the bench.

NEXT UP:
The Mounties host the Raider of Shippensburg inside Decker Gymnasium on Saturday, Feb. 11, starting at 3 p.m.