INDIANA, Pa. – Behind a 26-point performance from Kymani Merraro and a dominant first-half defensive effort, the IUP men's basketball team held off a furious second-half comeback from Point Park to secure a 66-63 victory Saturday evening in the Hilton Garden Inn Tip-Off Classic at Memorial Field House.
The Crimson Hawks (2-0) built a 19-point halftime advantage before withstanding a late surge from the Pioneers (0-3), who outscored IUP 46-30 over the final 20 minutes.
Merraro led all scorers with 26 points, connecting on eight of his 18 field goal attempts, including four three-pointers. The two-time All-PSAC guard also went 6-for-7 from the free throw line and collected four rebounds.
Ian Herring followed Friday's 28-point, 10-rebound performance against Concord with 12 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Ama Sow controlled the glass for the Crimson Hawks, pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds while contributing eight points, two assists and two steals.
Matt Johnson III added eight points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Bautista Rodriguez finished with six points and three assists. Griffin Straub provided four points off the bench.
IUP established control early, using defensive pressure and efficient scoring opportunities to build a double-digit advantage midway through the opening half.
Merraro provided the offensive spark, connecting on four three-pointers during the first 20 minutes. His perimeter shooting helped the Crimson Hawks build a 26-11 advantage with 7:30 remaining before halftime.
The Crimson Hawks continued to attack inside, receiving contributions from Sow and Johnson as they extended their lead late in the period.
Merraro capped the opening half with a layup as time expired, sending IUP into the locker room with a commanding 36-17 advantage.
The Crimson Hawks limited Point Park to just 25% shooting in the first half, including a 1-for-11 performance from beyond the arc. IUP also held a 20-8 advantage in points in the paint during the opening period.
IUP appeared poised to pull away early in the second half, extending its lead to 40-18 with 18:26 remaining following a basket from Merraro.
However, Point Park began to find its offensive rhythm, capitalizing on improved shooting and second-chance opportunities to gradually reduce the deficit.
The Pioneers connected on 51.6% of their second-half field goal attempts after shooting just 25% before halftime. Point Park also knocked down five three-pointers in the final period after making just one in the opening half.
Despite the comeback, IUP maintained its advantage behind timely baskets from Herring, Johnson and Straub.
Herring converted a three-point play with 8:59 remaining to push the Crimson Hawks' lead to 54-39, while Johnson added another basket less than a minute later to keep IUP comfortably ahead.
Point Park continued to chip away, eventually cutting the deficit to single digits in the closing minutes.
Grant Welch connected on a three-pointer with two minutes remaining to bring the Pioneers within seven points at 62-55.
After Point Park reduced the margin to five, Merraro converted a pair of free throws with 1:13 remaining to extend IUP's advantage to 65-58.
The Pioneers continued to battle, cutting the deficit to three points in the final seconds. However, the Crimson Hawks held on to secure their second victory in as many nights.
IUP finished the contest shooting 41.7% from the field while holding Point Park to 39%. The Crimson Hawks controlled the interior, outscoring the Pioneers 38-26 in the paint and holding a 40-37 advantage on the glass.
IUP also capitalized on Point Park's mistakes, converting 14 turnovers into 19 points while collecting eight steals.
The Crimson Hawks struggled from beyond the arc after halftime, finishing 0-for-9 from three-point range in the second half after connecting on four attempts in the opening period.
Point Park was led by Welch, who finished with 21 points and four three-pointers. Josh Frazier added 16 points and six rebounds, while Jayden Davis contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Obi Okafor rounded out the Pioneers' double-figure scorers with 10 points and eight rebounds.
The victory completes an undefeated opening weekend for IUP, which defeated Concord, 89-54, on Friday evening before surviving Saturday's challenge from Point Park.
Up Next: IUP will travel to Ashland on Friday, Nov. 20, for its first road contest of the 2026-27 season. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
