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RELEASE DATE: 2/23/06 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mounties Clinch PSAC Playoff Birth With Win Over East Stroudsburg
Mansfield was led by a solid performance from senior Carlos Collazo who finished with a double-double performance of 23 points and 14 rebounds. It was special for Collazo because his entire family made the trip to Mansfield from Puerto Rico to watch him play tonight. "I was inspired by my family being here and by my grandmother who is also here, but could not make it to the game tonight due to an illness. I also want to thank my teammates and coaches for sticking by me while I struggled earlier this season," said Collazo. Mansfield got in front early in the first half and never lost the lead as they hit key free throws down the stretch to secure the victory, and a birth in the PSAC playoffs for head coach Rich Miller in his first season at the helm of the program. "Its a great team win for us tonight. I credit my seniors for putting us where we are right now. It made my job a lot easier having five guys who have been here and knew the system already," said Miller after the game. Neither team could earn a definitive advantage throughout much of the first half as East Stroudsburg went on a 7-0 run that was answered by a Mansfield 7-0 run. Shortly after that, ESU went on a 6-0 run which was answered by a 7-0 run from the Mounties. After that 7-0 run, the score was 29-21 in favor of Mansfield and it seemed like the Mountaineers had taken control of the game. Mansfield's high powered offense pushed the ball up and down the court to pull away by as much 15 points towards the end of the first half before ESU closed to within 14 at halftime. Mansfield held a 47-33 advantage going into the intermission. The Warriors raged out of the locker room after the first half to outscore Mansfield 20-9 in the first seven minutes of the half cutting Mansfield's lead to only three at 56-53. The Mounties hit serious foul trouble when Terrance Williams and Andrae Martin each recorded their fourth personal fouls with over 12:00 to play in the game. With Williams and Martin sitting, John Hampton and Kevin Hill made their presence felt as they recorded Mansfield's next eight points. Hampton, one of the shortest players on the court, scrapped his way to back to back offensive rebounds and put backs while Hill stole an inbounds pass and added two of his own. Mansfield led 68-60 after the eight quick points by Hampton and Hill. The Warriors fought back to within four
points at 82-78 before Brandon DeShields finished a three point
play Williams returned to the game and added a free throw to cap an 8-0 run for Mansfield to put the score at 90-78 with just over 2:00 to play in the game. The Mountaineers, who have struggled from the free throw for much of the season, sank crucial free throws down the stretch to hold on to the lead and secure the victory. Mansfield was 35-of-49 (71.4%) from the free throw line while East Stroudsburg shot 17-of-33 (51.5%) from the charity stripe. Wednesday evening's contest at Decker Gymnasium was "Fan Appreciation Night" as it marked the last regular season home game of the year for the Mounties. Both Collazo and coach Miller noted how outstanding the crowd was at the game. "The crowd amazing tonight," said Collazo. Miller added: "I don't usually notice the crowd at games, but I did tonight. Our fans were incredible with the amount of energy and support they filled the gym with this evening." Mansfield did not rely solely on Collazo's performance as they had four other players in double figures. Brandon DeShields recorded 21 points in another impressive performance while David Hoopes and John Hampton each netted 13 points. Andrae Martin struggled with foul trouble but still managed 10 points and seven rebounds, including eight of Mansfield's first 12 points. All active players on the Mansfield roster contributed in the win with Williams adding 9, Chris Greene adding 4, Hill with 2 and Justin Kress with 1. East Stroudsburg was led by Danny Hargrove who recorded 21 points. Murvin English recorded 17 points while Naveen Mohiuddin and Channon Easley added 13 and 12 points respectively. Coach Miller and his Mountaineers will move into the PSAC playoffs next week in his first year at the helm of the program. The Mounties could earn as high as a number two seed with a victory over Cheyney this weekend OR an East Stroudsburg loss against Kutztown this weekend. If that happens, Mansfield will clinch the number 2 seed in the East and secure a home game next Tuesday night. Check back this weekend after the Cheyney game to find out where and who the Mountie men will play next week in the opening round of the PSAC playoffs.
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The
Mountaineers clinched a birth in the PSAC playoffs Wednesday night with a 96-91
victory over East Stroudsburg University. This win places the Mounties at 7-4 in
conference play and guarantees them a spot in the playoffs. 
after being fouled on the way to the hoop. East Stroudsburg's head coach
received a technical foul with 3:49 to play in the game after Darron
Bradley recorded his fifth and disqualifying foul. Mansfield sank all
four free throws to make the score 89-78.