MANSFIELD, Pa. - The Mansfield University men's basketball team (1–6) competed in the first game of conference play on Saturday, Dec. 6, against Slippery Rock University (7–1),  the Mounties fell after a tightly contested match 85-78

Sterling Scoot led with 25 total points, five rebounds and two assists.

JuJu Pagan added 13 points, including a perfect performance at the free-throw line.

Scott established an early rhythm with multiple drives to the rim, while LaQuan Byrd and Diarmid Stewart added key baskets to erase an early deficit. 

Pagan provided steady scoring at the line, converting six first-half free throws, and Stewart's late three-pointer helped Mansfield pull even as the teams entered halftime tied 40–40. 

Nasir Brown and Jackson Henry also supplied important minutes off the bench, contributing to Mansfield's balanced first-half attack.

In the second half, Scott continued to power the offense with strong finishes in transition, while Pagan added back-to-back layups to keep the Mounties within striking distance. 

Stewart and Byrd each connected on timely jumpers, and Henry added another bucket in the paint as Mansfield worked to counter Slippery Rock's runs. 

Brown's layup and Joshua Franklin's free throws provided additional support, but the Rock created separation from the line in the final minutes. 

A late three-pointer from Pagan narrowed the margin, but Mansfield's comeback fell short as the visitors held on for the victory.

Up Next
The Mountaineers are scheduled to compete on Tuesday, December 16, against Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.