Box Score

The Shippensburg University men's basketball team faced its toughest opposition of the young season Wednesday night inside the Kovalchick Complex, dropping a 77-46 decision to the No. 7-ranked Crimson Hawks of IUP.

The game marked a return for SU head coach Chris Fite, who spent the last seven seasons as IUP's primary assistant coach. Fite was presented with a plaque before the game and received a standing ovation from the Crimson Hawk crowd.

Shippensburg (1-7) shot 47 percent from the floor in the first half despite making just 1-of-7 three-point attempts – marking the second-highest output of the season for the Raiders in the opening 20 minutes of play.

The Raiders and Crimson Hawks were tied 14-14 with 12:55 to go, but IUP (9-0) then embarked upon a 15-4 run over the next 9:17 to build a double-digit advantage. SU was hindered by six turnovers during the stretch.

Indiana led 36-24 at halftime and limited the Raiders to just 26 percent shooting in the second half. SU was held without a field goal over the final 5:13 of the contest.

Sophomore guard Joe Lococo led Shippensburg in four categories Wednesday night, totaling 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. Freshman Abe Massaley was the other Raider in double figures with 10 points.

Redshirt-freshman center Marcus Williams played all 40 minutes and was particularly strong in the second half, grabbing six of his seven rebounds for the game and blocking three shots.

Sophomore Jay Hardy chipped in with eight points and four points.

Shippensburg will be home Saturday to host Seton Hill at 3 p.m. from Heiges Field House.