Box Score
ERIE, PA – For the first time since the 2009-10 season, the sixth-ranked Crimson Hawks claimed a road victory against rival Mercyhurst, defeating the Lakers 53-50 Wednesday afternoon.

Again led by Marcel Souberbielle (Montevideo, Uruguay/Uruguayan American School), who finished the game with 14 points, IUP held off a late Mercyhurst rally that brought the game down to the final seconds of play.

For the first time in eight games, since defeating Shaw Nov. 30, the Crimson Hawks never trailed their opponent, holding the lead from the opening seconds of play, getting things underway with a 9-0 run.

Mercyhurst was held off the board for nearly seven minutes, before Greg Williams swished a three, pulling the Lakers within six.

With just under three minutes to play, Mercyhurst began to chip away at the IUP lead, which was as high as 10 points. A three-pointer from Callon Dailey and a jumper from Anthony Lyle pulled the Lakers within three, but that was as close as they would get, as the IUP offense again ignited, taking a 10-point lead into the break.

Only four Crimson Hawks registered points in the first half, led by 13 from Devon Cottrell (Pittsburgh, Pa. /Gateway). Souberbielle and Mathis Keita (Thionville, France/Insep) each tallied seven and Devante Chance (Philadelphia, Pa. /Electrical & Technology Charter) added two.

The two teams exchanged baskets early on in the second half, with IUP getting up by as many as 14 points.

With just under six minutes to play, the Crimson Hawks saw their lead diminish, as Mercyhurst went on a 16-6 run that brought the game within one point with one second to play. IUP gained possession of the ball following a layup by Jean Onana and leading by one. Brandon Norfleet (Virginia Beach, Va. /Landstown) sent an inbound pass to Souberbielle who was immediately fouled. The team's leading free throw shooter drained both shots of the one-and-one, giving IUP the three-point advantage.

In a last ditch effort, Dailey shoveled a three ball toward the basket, but Souberbielle was able to block the shot and give IUP its 14th straight win.

Claiming his first career win at Mercyhurst, Souberbielle tallied 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and the game-winning block. Cottrell added 13 points, all scored in the first half, six rebounds and three blocks.

Norfleet finished with 12 points, two rebounds and four assists while Mathis Keita (Thionville, France/Insep) added seven points, all scored in the first half, six rebounds, and one assist.

Bucking the trend of second half dominance, the Crimson Hawks made just seven field goals in the final 20 minutes, shooting 30.43 percent in the second half, compared to 52 percent in the first. They were 4-of-19 from behind the arc in the game and shot 75 percent from the charity stripe.

In a battle of dominant defenses, both teams committed just 11 turnovers, with IUP recording just two steals.

The nation's No. 1 scoring defense again held its opponent to under 60 points, surrendering just 50 to a Mercyhurst team who came in averaging 64.6. IUP's scoring defense now sits at just 56.6 points per game. 

The Crimson Hawks improve to 14-0, 4-0 on the season and take sole possession of first place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West. Mercyhurst was the only other team with a perfect conference record, but now falls to third place with a record of 7-7, 3-1.

IUP will continue PSAC West play, again in Erie, heading to Gannon Wednesday. The Golden Knights, who play Clarion Saturday evening, are 7-7 on the season, winning their previous contest against Cheyney. They are 2-2 in conference action with wins against California and Slippery Rock and losses against Seton Hill and Mercyhurst. Tipoff from Erie is set for 7:30 p.m.