INDIANA, Pa. – IUP men's basketball battled closely against No.9 Gannon but could not close the gap near the end, falling 89-82 Wednesday evening. 
 
IUP dropped to 7-8 overall and 3-5 in the PSAC, while Gannon continued their 13-game win streak and improved to 13-2 overall and 8-0 in the conference. Both teams shot .500 from the field, but Gannon capitalized on their opportunities at the free throw line, converting 23-of-32 attempts compared to IUP's 9-of-21.
 
Christian Moore led the Hawks with 18 points, two rebounds, and three steals. Sarp Furtun secured his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds while shooting an efficient 5-for-7 from the field. Kymani Merraro contributed across the board with 12 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Ian Herring added four steals for the third consecutive game.
 
Moore hit a three-pointer at the 18:38 mark, assisted by Merraro, to put IUP on the board first. Gannon responded, taking their first lead at 12:40 with a three-pointer, making it 9-8. IUP regained the lead, 16-14, following baskets by Brooks and Grove. Down 20-18, Moore answered with another three-pointer at 5:28. Brooks later tied the game at 25 with a layup, but Gannon closed the half strong, converting seven free throws and finishing with a three-pointer to take a 35-29 lead into the break.
 
Moore opened the second half with a 5-0 run, that put the Hawks within one. Grove followed with back-to-back three-pointers after a steal by Luke Triggs, giving IUP a 50-49 lead at the 13:55 mark. IUP's final lead of the night came at 12:06 from a Brook's layup, 54-51. Furtun and Alfonso Pickens Jr. made consecutive three-pointers. The Golden Knights went on a 9-2 run that extended their lead to 10 points, with five minutes remaining. IUP went on a late 6-2 run but could not close the gap. 

Up Next 
IUP returns to action at the KCAC on Wednesday, January 15 against Pitt-Johnstown, tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Follow 
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP men's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_MBB.