INDIANA, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University basketball team dropped a tough Pennsylvania State Atheltic Conference (PSAC) Western Division battle at Indiana (Pa.) Wednesday night, 68-66. IUP's Brandon Spain, who did not play in the first meeting back on November 18, hit a game-winning jumper from the right wing, just inside the 3-point line, to hand the Lakers their third road loss of the season. With the loss, Mercyhurst falls to 15-6 overall and 12-5 in league play, while the Crimson Hawks control first-place in the PSAC West with a 17-5, 14-4 PSAC record.

The game was back-and-forth all night, until midway through the second half. Senior guard Gerrae Williams began to heat up, as he drained back-to-back 3-pointers to open up a seven point Mercyhurst lead – the largest of the game.

Mercyhurst's shooting went cold from that point on, failing to put the Crimson Hawks away down the stretch.

IUP would go on a 9-0 run after Williams' two 3-pointers, to regain a two point advantage, 62-60.

The final three and a half minutes played back-and-forth again; however, it would end in Indiana's favor.

With the scored tied at 66, Williams final 3-point attempt of the game bricked off the rim and gave IUP the final possession. Spain's jumper with three seconds to play left Mercyhurst with a chance, but their half-court shot attempt came up short.

Mercyhurst finished 25-of-53 (47.2%) from the field and went 10-of-21 (47.6%) from downtown. The Crimson Hawks held a slight rebound advantage, 32-29.

Williams and Kayode Ajenifuja both contributed 14 points, while Damon Jones also finished in double figures with 11. IUP's Brandon Norfleet led all scorers with 22 points.

The Lakers will travel to Clarion University (11-12, 8-9 PSAC) Saturday, February 6. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Tippin Gymnasium.