SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – IUP men's basketball overcame a 13-point deficit and held off Slippery Rock in the final seconds to win 69-67 on the road in the PSAC Tournament First Round. 

With this win, IUP improved to 14-15 on the season, as Slippery Rock concluded their season 15-14 overall. Fifth-seeded IUP will travel to top-seeded Gannon for the PSAC Quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Kymani Merraro led IUP with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals. Luke Triggs also made a significant impact, scoring 16 points, including four three-pointers. Ian Herring contributed five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

IUP shot .411 from the field and made 10 three-pointers while Slippery Rock shot .397 from the field and .200 beyond the arc. 

IUP's first two baskets came from a Damir Brooks layup and a Sarp Furtun jumper, bringing them within one at 5-4. Slippery Rock proceeded on a 13-1 run that was ended at 13:16 when Triggs hit a three pointer. Merraro followed with a triple to trim the deficit to seven at 18-11. IUP later sparked a 9-0 run, closing the gap to 22-20 with 6:31 left in the first half. Both teams exchanged baskets before Slippery Rock carried a 29-25 lead into halftime.

Christian Moore opened the second with a three pointer and was assisted by Merraro. IUP gained the lead at 18:11 when Furtun hit a triple, 31-30. Triggs and Moore followed with key baskets, helping the Hawks build a nine-point advantage. Triggs' free throw at 7:15 pushed his total to 16 points for the game.

In the final seconds, Slippery Rock added a layup with 21 seconds on the clock to limit IUP's lead to one, 66-65. Tyler Grove converted both free throw attempts to give the Hawks back their three point lead. Slippery Rock responded with a basket in the final five seconds, but Furtun was fouled on an offensive rebound and made one of two free throws. Slippery Rock's game winning basket attempt was no good, sealing the victory for the Hawks, 69-67.

Up Next 
IUP will travel to Gannon on Wednesday, March 5, in the PSAC Quarterfinal with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.

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