Release Date: 2/11/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MANSFIELD FALLS TO KUTZTOWN 77-67 – PEARSON RECORDS 14^TH DOUBLE-DOUBLE OF SEASON

KUTZTOWN- Kutztown University went on a 24-9 run in the final eight minutes of play to stun Mansfield University 77-67 in a PSAC East match up Wednesday night at Keystone Hall.

The Mountaineers struggled much of the game trailing by as much as 13 points in the first half before rallying to cut the Kutztown lead to 36-33 at intermission.

Midway through the second half, Mansfield took the lead and looked to control the game going on a 8-0 run capped by an Ian Connor (Canadensis/Scranton Prep) free throw for a 58-53 advantage with 7:57 remaining in regulation.

Mansfield was led by the inside presence of seniors Omari Pearson (York/UNLV) and Connor who combined for 37 points as Pearson recorded his conference leading 14^th double-double of the season with a game high 23 points and 12 rebounds.

However, the Mountaineers usually high scoring guard tandem of sophomores Bill McNeal (Philadelphia/Simon Gratz), Brandon DeShields (York/York) and senior Brett Longpre’ (Welland,ONT/Governor Simcoe) shot a combine 6 for 30 from the field, limiting the Mountaineers ability to respond down the stretch.

As a team Mansfield shot 38.7 percent from the field compared to Kutztown’s 43.1 percent shooting and hit just four of 17 three-point tries.

Jeff Brickus led Kutztown with 20 points as Bilal Salaam added 11 points and a game high six blocks.

Junior Brian Bryant (Philadelphia/Suffield Academy) added 10 points for Mansfield.  Connor finished with 14 points bringing him within 34 shy of the 1,000 career point milestone. 

Mansfield is now 18-5 overall and remains in second place in the PSAC East with a 5-3 mark. Mansfield is back in action 3 p.m. Saturday when they play host to the Wolves of Cheyney.