Box Score

INDIANA, Pa. - The Shippensburg men's basketball team renewed a hotly contested rivalry with the Crimson Hawks of Indiana (Pa.) University on Saturday afternoon from Memorial Field House but could not come up on the positive end of a physical contest, dropping a 71-64 decision.

The difference in the game could be found from the glass, as the Crimson Hawks totaled 20 offensive boards and out-rebounded the Raiders by a 54-36 margin. IUP was able to record 23 second-chance points and 36 points in the paint.

Shippensburg (8-4) made a concerted effort to distribute the basketball, work the post and draw contact underneath. The Raiders drew 27 fouls and got to the free-throw line 36 times but made just 19 of those attempts for a 52.8 percent conversion rate.

IUP (10-2) also struggled from the charity stripe, converting just 14-of-31 attempts from the free-throw line. The Crimson Hawks came up big when it was needed, however, by making seven of their final eight attempts in the final minute of play.

The two teams combined for 52 fouls in the contest and also attempted 67 free throws, but made just 33 of their attempts for a 49.3 percent conversion rate.

The see-saw battle was reduced to a one-possession affair after two free throws with 7:02 to play from red-shirt junior center Derrick Graff, but the ensuing possession instilled momentum into the Crimson Hawks.

After making one free throw, IUP's Thomas Young missed his second attempt but rebounded his own shot and found Sanders, who hit his fifth 3-pointer of the game to kick-start a 10-1 run that helped the Crimson Hawks lead 60-49 with 5:16 left.

Undaunted, Shippensburg responded with a 10-2 run over the next three minutes to bring the score to 62-59 at the 2:47 mark. Junior forward Daziah Miller contributed two key field goals off turnovers forced by the Raider press and a 3-pointer from sophomore Justin Minter helped key the comeback that came up just short.

Graduate guard Ryan Kraft scored 13 points and made three 3-pointers, while Miller came off the bench to contribute 13 points and eight rebounds. Graff added 12 points and five blocks, while Minter played outstanding defense and forced several turnovers in the contest.

Shippensburg will travel to California (Pa.) University on Sunday afternoon to take on the Vulcans in another PSAC crossover contest. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.

Notes: The Raider balance was impeccable in the contest, as all nine players that participated played at least 10 minutes and recorded at least two points.