INDIANA, Pa. — Indiana University of Pennsylvania trimmed a double-digit second-half deficit to a one-possession game late Friday, but West Chester held on for an 88-83 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference victory at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex.
IUP (8-2, 3-1 PSAC) was led by Dallis Dillard, who scored a team-high 22 points on efficient shooting. Kymani Merraro added 19 points, going 12 of 14 at the free-throw line, as the Crimson Hawks consistently attacked the rim in the second half.
Sophomore Christian Moore finished with 13 points and six assists, while Damir Brooks chipped in 11 points as IUP placed four players in double figures.
The Crimson Hawks controlled much of the opening half and carried a 45-42 lead into halftime, fueled by balanced scoring and strong ball movement. IUP shot well from the field early and limited West Chester's transition opportunities.
West Chester (8-3, 2-2 PSAC) responded after the break behind a strong offensive stretch that pushed the Golden Rams ahead by as many as 12. Ruben Rodriguez led all scorers with 30 points, and Anthony McCall added 25 points, combining to anchor the visitors down the stretch.
IUP made multiple late pushes, forcing stops and cutting the margin to three in the final minutes, but West Chester answered with timely baskets and free throws to seal the outcome.
