JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -  The IUP men's basketball program was not able to recover after a slow start against Pitt – Johnstown, leading to a 79-74 loss on Wednesday night.
 
IUP has dropped to 11-12 overall and 6-9 in the conference. This tough loss dropped the team to seventh in the PSAC West and bounced UPJ up to fifth. 
 
IUP's top scorer was Christian Moore with 17 points, followed by Tyler Grove with 15, and Damir Brooks with 14. Brooks also led the team with seven rebounds. The Crimson Hawks were shooting .424 from the field, six blocks, and 18 bench points. 
 
Brooks opened up the half with two layups, which UPJ responded with 14 points of their own before Brooks could score the third basket for the Crimson Hawks. Kymani Merraro, Luke Triggs, and Moore started chipping away at the lead the Mountain Cats created, limiting them to a ten-point at the 11 minute mark. After a media timeout, the Mountain Cats came back with the same intensity, forcing a turnover and fouls from IUP, presenting the opportunity for UPJ to go on a seven-point run before IUP could respond. A steal and layup from Brooks, plus two made three-pointers from Grove put IUP back into the game, cutting down UPJ's lead to 12. IUP went on a seven-point run, with made baskets from Grove, and a three pointer from Triggs allowing IUP to trail by five, forcing a timeout from UPJ at the five minute mark. The Mountain Cats followed with a run of their own, adding to their lead with only two minutes left in the half. UPJ finished out the half with two free throws and a jumper, extending their lead to 46-34.
 
Heading into the second half, neither team could make a basket until two minutes in, until Moore opened up the half with a three pointer, and Grove followed with a layup. UPJ followed up with two reciprocated baskets. Despite an aggressive offense from the Crimson Hawks, UPJ was matching every made shot, making it difficult to dip into their extensive lead. With six minutes left in the game, Ian Herring made two free throws, minimizing the lead of the Mountain Cats to 10. Four minutes later, Grove hit a three pointer, keeping UPJ's lead to eight. Despite a valiant effort, IUP was defeated by Pitt Johnstown, 79-74.
 
Up Next
IUP takes on the Edinboro Fighting Scots during senior day at the KCAC on Saturday, February 15 at 3:00 p.m.
 
Follow 
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP men's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_MBB.