ERIE, PA – The IUP men's basketball team's defense was on full display Wednesday night as the Crimson Hawks defeated Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West foe Gannon by a score of 59-48. With the win, IUP improves to 16-3, 13-2 in the PSAC West, while the Golden Knights fall to 10-9, 8-7 in the Western Division.

Gannon took an early 13-6 lead in the first half thanks to six points from Brandon Belt and a three-pointer from Adam Blazek, but Danny Ayebo and Marcel Souberbielle (Montevideo, Uruguay/Uruguayan American School) would combine for seven quick points to knot the game at 13-13 with just over 10 minutes to play in the half.

Both teams would trade baskets late in the first, but  a three by Julian Sanders (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) with just 38 seconds remaining in the period would give the Crimson Hawks a 25-22 lead at the break. Sanders had six points in the first half, while Souberbielle led the way with seven points.

Belt and Darrell Blanton would keep the game close for Gannon early in the second half with four points apiece, but IUP's senior leaders would respond. Ashton Smith (Scarborough, ON/West Hill Collegiate) nailed back-to-back jumpers to tie the game, and Sanders drained a three to give the Crimson Hawks a 37-34 lead with 10:56 to play in the game.

IUP would not look back from there, extending its lead to seven over the next five minutes thanks to four more points from Smith and a layup by Ayebo.

Blanton would try to keep the Golden Knights in the game with a jumper to pull Gannon to within five with just over four minutes to play, but The Crimson Hawks would go on a 10-4 run in the game's final minutes to seal the victory.

The IUP defense was magnificent again Wednesday, limiting the Golden Knights to just 38.3% shooting from the field and a season-low 48 points.

Smith led the way for the Crimson Hawks with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Souberbielle chipped in 14 points and three boards, while Ayebo added 11 points and five rebounds. Devante Chance (Philadelphia, Pa. /Electrical & Technology Charter) was disruptive on the defensive end all game, tallying a game-high five steals.

Belt had a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds for Gannon, while Blanton finished with 14 points and six boards.
The Crimson Hawks return home this Saturday when they host Clarion. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.