Release Date: 1/10/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY DEFEATS SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY 53-52 ON LAST SECOND FREE THROWS

MANSFIELD- Mansfield’s Alison Tagliaferri (Linden/Jersey Shore) hit two key free throws with 6.9 seconds remaining in regulation to secure Mansfield’s 53-52 victory over Slippery Rock University this afternoon at Decker Gymnasium.

Tagliaferri had a team high 20 points along with 10 rebounds with Rachel Rieder (Cranberry Township/Seneca Valley) adding a double-double as well with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The two teams were going back and forth scoring in the beginning of the first half, but Mansfield went on a 10-0 run with 4:08 to play as they led 21-11.

Later in the half, Slippery Rock’s Kristen Bonner hit a three-point shot to cut Mansfield’s lead to 27-22.On Slippery Rock’s next possession Amber McFeely hit a jumper as time expired to decrease the Mountaineer lead to 27-24 at halftime.

The second half started just the way the first half ended.Both teams exchanged baskets with each team leading by no more than five points. 

With Mansfield leading 46-45, Slippery Rock’s Bonner hit three free throws to reclaim the lead 48-46 with 5:10 to play in regulation.

Slippery Rock held a three point lead going into the final minute of play, but Mansfield’s Stephanie Rieser (Barnegat,NJ/Southern Regional) cut the lead to 52-51 in favor of Slippery Rock on a lay-up with :35 seconds remaining.

On the following play, Tagliaferri intercepted a pass to give the Mountaineers possession.

Following a timeout, Tagliaferri was fouled while rebounding the ball, and rewarded with two free throws with: 07 to play.

Tagliaferri hit both three throws to give Mansfield a 53-52 lead.Following a defensive foul on Mansfield’s Jessica Uhrich (Palmyra/Palmrya) with 1.7 seconds on the clock, Slippery Rock inbounded the ball to Jess Caso who missed a three-point shot at the buzzer.

The win marks Mansfield’s first ever victory over Slippery Rock University in women’s basketball and with the win the Mountaineers improve to 8-8 on the season.

Mansfield continues their four game home stand as they play host to the Vulcans of California (Pa) at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Decker Gymnasium.

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