SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Crimson Hawks' 13-game win streak came to an end on Saturday night as they fell to Slippery Rock 73-61 at Morrow Field House. Despite the loss, IUP clinched the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division title.
 
It was the first loss for the IUP men's basketball team since December 12, a streak that lasted 59 days without a defeat.
 
The Crimson Hawks fell to 19-6 overall with a 16-4 record in the league. They are currently three games ahead of second place Edinboro (13-7), which IUP swept in two regular season games this year. Mercyhurst, which entered the day in second place in the division, fell to Pitt-Johnstown earlier in the day, clinching the West crown for IUP.
 
Senior guard Brandon Norfleet (Virginia Beach, Va. /Landstown) had his 17th 20-point game of the season, scoring 22 on 7-of-23 shooting adding 6-of-6 from the foul line. He fouled out in 35 minutes, dishing out four assists and adding three steals.
 
Freshman guard Dante Lombardi (Indiana, Pa./The Kiski School) netted 18 points, going 7-of-12 from the field, adding three swipes and two assists in 36 minutes.
 
Slippery Rock (14-11, 9-10 PSAC) shot 51.1 percent from the field, converted 21-of-27 free throws, and outrebounded the Crimson Hawks 39-to-23. The Rock shot nearly 60 percent in the second half alone and held a 22-to-9 rebounding edge in the second half as they outscored IUP 50-to-28 in the final 20 minutes.
 
The Crimson Hawks held a 33-23 lead at the break, with Norfleet and Lombardi each scoring 12 points, forcing Slippery Rock into eight turnovers.
 
Two regular season games remain, with the Crimson Hawks hosting Pitt-Johnstown next Wednesday on Senior Night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Kovalchick Complex.
 
For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP Men's Basketball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPMens_Bball.