SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team dropped a close Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matchup at Slippery Rock, 60-59, Wednesday night. With the loss, the Lakers fall to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in conference play while The Rock improves to 7-4, 2-3 PSAC.

Mercyhurst got off to an early 6-0 lead, just 2:29 into the half. The Lakers would lead by as many as eight before The Rock took their first lead of the game, 22-21, with 4:29 to play in the first. The remaining four and change went back-and-forth, ending the half in a 26-26 tie.

Slippery Rock opened the second period on a 19-6 run, opening an 11 point lead, 45-34 (their largest of game) with 12:08 to play. The Lakers would answer with a 17-6 run of their own to tie the game at 51 all. After Cornelius Brown converted 1 of 2 free throws to give Slippery Rock a one point advantage, Damon Jones nailed a three to give the Lakers their first lead since the 19:01 mark in the second.

With the game tied at 58, Slippery Rock's Abdul King knocked down a jumper in paint with three seconds remaining. Mercyhurst would get another chance when Jones was fouled with .4 seconds left on a desperation shot from the right side, sending him to line to shoot two free-throws. He missed the first and made the second. One second remained on the clock after the made free throw, but the Lakers were not able to get another chance.

The Lakers finished 23 of 53 from the field and out rebounded The Rock, 35-29 on the glass.

Jones led all scorers with 23 points while Kayode Ajenifuja (11) and Gerrae Williams (10) also finished in double figures.

Mercyhurst will travel home to host PSAC West foe Clarion Saturday, December 19. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC).