INDIANA, Pa. — The IUP men's basketball dropped to Slippery Rock, 78-71, Saturday afternoon in the KCAC.

IUP dropped to 12-14 overall and 7-11 in the conference while Slippery Rock improved to 14-13 and 10-9 in the PSAC.

Christian Moore led the floor with 22 points, made nine field goals, and grabbed five rebounds. Kymani Merraro followed with 17 points, eight field goals, five assists, and two steals. Tyler Grove rounded out the top three scorers with 15 points and three rebounds. Damir Brooks led with eight rebounds, four blocks, and had a steal.

The first half both teams exchanged leads early on. At the 15:19 mark, Luke Triggs knocked down a three-pointer off an assist from Moore, followed by a tip-in that brought the Hawks within three, 16-13. Slippery Rock maintained the lead as IUP followed close behind. At the eight-minute mark, Grove and Moore hit back-to-back three-pointers. Moore made a three-pointer at 5:45 that tied the score at 32 each. Slippery Rock responded with a 7-0 run before Merraro closed out the half with a jumper.

Moore opened the second half with five straight points. Slippery Rock's eight-point run was ended by Grove hitting a three-pointer at the 15:41 mark. Triggs converted a layup and a free throw to cut the deficit to eight, 57-49. Grove hit consecutive baskets around the 10-minute mark. IUP added a few more baskets but Slippery Rock answered with their own to remain in the lead. Merraro ended the second with two layups, to finish with 17 points on the day.

Up Next 
IUP remains home next Wednesday, February 26, for a matchup against California (Pa.) for their final home contest of the season. 

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