BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University men's basketball team trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half Saturday before cutting the lead to just one with 16 seconds remaining, but the Raiders ultimately dropped a 76-73 decision to Bloomsburg in its PSAC opener at Nelson Field House.
 
Shippensburg (3-1, 0-1 PSAC East) jumped out to an early 12-2 lead at the 15:27 mark, but saw Bloomsburg (4-0, 2-0) end the first half on a 32-12 run including a three-point buzzer-beater to close out the period.
 
The Raiders drew within one point of the lead with 16.3 seconds remaining in regulation when senior Dylan Edgar tipped in a rebound to make it a 71-70 game. On the ensuing in-bounds pass, pressure from the SU defense caused a loose ball, resulting in diving attempts from each team to try to secure possession. Bloomsburg was awarded a timeout after their player was ruled to have possession on the court. An argument ensued, and a technical foul was issued to Shippensburg.
 
The Huskies converted their next four foul shots to close out the game to cap-off an efficient effort at the free-throw line in the second half, shooting 10-of-13 (76.9 percent).
 
Freshman Dustin Sleva scored a game-high 18 points including a pair of important three-point field goals during the second half to draw the Raiders within reach. He also contributed six rebounds and four assists.
 
Five Raiders posted double figures. Edgar recorded his third-consecutive double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds while also dishing out four assists.
 
Sophomore Abe Massaley recorded 10 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals.
 
Freshman Justin McCarthur tallied 13 points while junior Jay Hardy contributed 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from long range.
 
The Raiders host Penn State-Lehigh Valley on Tuesday at 7 p.m. from Heiges Field House.