RELEASE DATE: 3/04/05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES SEASON ENDS IN 101-94 LOSS TO EDINBORO AT PSAC FINAL FOUR

EDINBORO – The magic finally ran out for Mansfield University as the cold shooting and short manned Mountaineers fell to Edinboro 101-94 in the opening round of the PSAC Championship Tournament Friday night.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t play up to our potential tonight,” said head coach Vince Alexander. “But I have nothing but pride in the accomplishments of this team this season. These players came together and played as a team more than any other group I’ve ever coached  and I have nothing but the greatest respect for them. I will always remember this season.”

The game started in high scoring fashion with both teams trading basket and an 8-8 tie before Edinboro used a 19-7 run to take a 27-15 lead with 9:15 to play. Mansfield cut the lead to 29-21 at the 9:15 mark on a 3-pointer by David Hoopes.

But the Mountaineers could pull no closer in the first half, uncharacteristically struggling from the free throw line  (11-26) and on 3-pointers (1-8) over the first 20 minutes. If cold shooting wasn’t enough, Mansfield – already without starter and leading scorer over the past 12 games Brandon DeShields -- also suffered key first half injuries to forwards Andrea Martin and Carlos Collazo. Although Collazo, who scored 12 first half points, would return to the game in the second half, Martin would not return to the game. Edinboro got 21 first half points off the bench to Mansfield’s four.

Trailing 46-34 at intermission, Mansfield saw any chance for a comeback evaporate when the Mountaineers were called for seven fouls in the first two minutes of the second half including two on Collazo putting him in foul trouble with four.

Edinboro would extend its lead to as much as 22 before the Mountaineers pulled to within 20 on a 3-pointer by Jason Benson at 69-52 with 11:23 to go. But one minute latter, Collazo would be called for his fifth foul and his replacement Justin Kress picked up his fifth foul two minutes later.

Still the shorthanded and undersized, the Mountaineers fought on closing to 91-76 off a steal and basket by Jason Benson with just under three minutes to play.   The Mountaineers then cut the lead to 94-84 on a three point play by Benson with 1:01 left and closing to 97-91 with :40 remaining.

Jason Benson scored a game high 35 points in his final collegiate game to end the season with 535 points, third best in school history. He also had eight rebounds. David Hoopes scored 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Carlos Collazo and Brian Bryant each scored 14 points.

Jakim Donaldson led five Edinboro players in double figures with 20 points and 22 rebounds.

Mansfield, the PSAC East Champions, end the season with a 19-11 overall mark.