Nov. 25, 2007

Box Score

Indiana (Pa.) - The Mercyhurst Lakers could simply not get their shots to fall at Indiana (Pa.) Sunday evening, and IUP took full advantage, handing the Lakers a 67-45 loss and their second loss of the season.

Mercyhurst (3-2) shot a season-low 32.7 percent from the floor and sank only 16 field goals. The Lakers also reached the free throw line just 11 times and converted only six. It was just the third time in the last 38 games that Mercyhurst has scored fewer than 50 points in a game. Both of the other occurrences were against Findlay.

Senior Terry Smith, who enter the game averaging a team-best 20.5 points per game could not get untracked, shooting 1-of-8 from the field four four points. Smith, the team leader in 3-point shooting, had hit at least four in each of the team's first four games, but on Sunday, he sank just one.

IUP, improving to 2-1 with the win, was led by Sean Christiansen's 16 points and a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds from Darryl Webb.

Despite Mercyhurst's shooting woes, IUP could only manage a 30-25 lead at the half. The Lakers even held a 24-22 lead with 4:42 remaining in the half after a 3-pointer from junior Brian McTear.

The Crimson Hawks, however, closed the half with an 8-1 run and opened the second with 3-pointers on three consecutive possessions to open a 39-25 lead. IUP continued to build the advantage as the Lakers scored just two points through the first 7:40 of the second half.

By the time McTear's layup ended the drought, the Lakers were in a 45-29 hole. IUP's lead grew to as many as 25 before the Lakers scored 10 points over the final three minutes to close the gap.

McTear's 14 points was a team-high, and senior T.J. Mathis chipped in 12.

Indiana also controlled the glass, holding a 43-26 rebounding edge on the Lakers.

Mercyhurst opens Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center against Michigan Tech. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m. The game will be televised locally on the Image Sports Network and also on the Internet via the B2 Networks.