RELEASE DATE: 1/14/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES BEAT KUTZTOWN 78-64 TO WIN CONFERENCE OPENER – PEARSON HAS DOUBLE-DOUBLE WITH 22 POINTS AND 17 REBOUNDS

MANSFIELD – Omari Pearson had a double-double with 22 points and 17 rebounds as the Mansfield University men’s basketball team opened the PSAC East season with a 78-64 victory over Kutztown University Wednesday night at Decker Gymnasium.

The Mountaineers never trailed in the game and raced out to a 29-13 lead at the mid-point of the first half on a lay-up by Bill McNeil. Pearson, McNeal and Ian Connor all record double figures in the first half as the Mountaineers took a 48-38 lead into intermission.

Mansfield would extend the lead to as much as 19 points when Pearson hit a lay-up to give the Mountaineers a 73-54 lead with 6:36 to play.

The Mountaineers limited Kutztown to shooting 35.8% from the floor while blocking a season high 12 shots.

Beside his 11^th double-double of the season, Pearson added five assists and two blocks. McNeil scored 21 points with five rebounds while Ian Connor had 18 points and three blocked shots.

Mansfield improves to 14-2 overall – their best start since 1997 – and 1-0 in the conference. Kutztown falls to 6-6 overall and 1-1.

The Mountaineers will travel to Millersville this Saturday.

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