BLOOMSBURG, Pa. - Red-shirt sophomore center Derrick Graff returned to the starting lineup with a bang, totaling a career-high 16 points and 14 rebounds to earn his first career double-double and help guide the Shippensburg men's basketball team to a 71-66 victory over the Bloomsburg Huskies in a frenetic contest Tuesday evening from Nelson Field House.

Shippensburg (5-5) and Bloomsburg (5-4) combined for 18 lead changes and six ties in the contest, as the two teams exchanged one-point leads for a majority of the second half. It was not until a late flurry led by senior guards Malik Parker and Alex Jones that the Red Raiders were able to pull away for the victory, as Shippensburg made a final defensive stand and converted four free-throw attempts in the final 34 seconds to seal the victory.

En route to their third victory in four games, several Red Raiders recorded season and career highs Tuesday as Shippensburg made changes to its lineup. Parker, who made his first start of the season and delivered a season-high six assists to go along with eight points and two steals. Along with Jones, the guards combined for 23 points, 10 assists and six steals.

Red-shirt junior guard Ryan Kraft was the final player for Shippensburg in double figures and had an all-around excellent performance, totaling 12 points to go along with seven rebounds, four steals and three blocks.

Freshman guard Justin Minter delivered a career-high eight points to go along with four rebounds, while another key reserve, sophomore guard Brian Oleksiak provided excellent defense in 13 minutes off the bench.

In his most significant action of the season, freshman guard Dane Lauber provided stupendous contributions off the bench, slashing and grinding his way to the basket while recording career highs in minutes (19), points (8) and assists (4).

Graff's success helped Shippensburg gain a 46-26 advantage for points in the paint and finish the game shooting 50 percent from the field. With a focus toward on-court simplicity and execution, Shippensburg committed just 11 turnovers while recording 25 points off 19 Bloomsburg turnovers.

Shippensburg will return to action tomorrow to conclude the second PSAC Crossover of the season at Mansfield University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m., and live coverage of both the men's and women's games can be heard on Shippensburg student radio station WSYC, 88.7 FM and on the internet at raiders. Ship.edu.

- Red Raider Basketball -