ERIE, Pa. -- The Mercyhurst football team dropped a 36-10 contest to third-ranked Indiana (Pa.) in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division action on Saturday at Tullio Field. The visiting Crimson Hawks scored 29 unanswered points in the second half.

The Lakers' lone touchdown was courtesy of a 14-yard hookup from quarterback Doug Altavilla and Brad Novak. That helped host MU take a 10-7 lead before IUP stormed back with 29 straight points in the second half.

Novak had five receptions for 52 yards for a Mercyhurst offense that was held to 179 yards of offense.

On defense, linebacker Joseph Scro led the way with 16 tackles. Defensive back Jake Tarasovitch added 11 tackles and Kaz Struna added 10. Linebacker Corbin Kessler made an interception.

A field goal by Mercyhurst kicker Mark Shafer gave the hosts a 3-0 lead before IUP took its first lead on an 8-yard run by running back Justice Evans.

The Altavilla-to-Novak scoring play occurred with 4:35 remaining in the second half as the Lakers took their three-point lead into halftime.

In the second half, IUP stormed past the Lakers, starting with an 8-yard TD run by running back Duane Brown. A safety against the Mercyhurst offense then pushed the Crimson Hawk advantage to 16-10.

The Hawks increased their lead on a pair of touchdown passes by quarterback Lenny Williams. The final score was a defensive touchdown via fumble recovery by lineman Dondrea Tillman.

Brown was IUP's leading rusher with 73 yards on 15 carries as he led a trio of IUP running backs over the 50-yard mark. Wide receiver Allen Wright made eight grabs for 42 yards.

Mercyhurst will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 11, with its final regular-season game at Lock Haven.