Shippensburg University’s men’s basketball team (3-2) was unable to survive a second-half surge by Gannon University (1-2) 70-67, at the Hammermill Center in Gannon. SU basketball got off to a quick start with a six-point lead at the half, but was outscored 41-29 in the second half of the game.
Junior guard Abe Massaley was able to bring SU back in the game with a layup, which made it a single possession game with a minute left to play. The Golden Knights took possession with a chance to put the game away, but were unable to bury Shippensburg with a score on the possession. However, Gannon secured the offensive rebound and the Raiders fouled in desperation to try to stay alive.
Gannon was unable to put the Raiders away with two free throws, going 1-2 from the line, giving Shippensburg one more chance to send the game into overtime with a three-pointer. Massaley took the ball down the court and tried to draw a foul on their ensuing possession but the official did not blow a whistle and Shippensburg University fell to Gannon 70-67.
Junior guard Abe Massaley has been a big contributor for SU this season, averaging 16.4 points per game during the season. Among other key contributors for the Raiders are sophomore Dustin Sleva and freshman Antonio Kellem. Sleva is averaging 13.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, while Kellum is averaging 12.2 points and four rebounds per game.
SU has dropped its last three games, after picking up two wins to start the season against Penn State University Lehigh Valley and Nyack University. The Raiders will be in road action against Wilmington University of Delaware on Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.
The Raiders will follow-up with a three-game home stand against West Chester, IUP and Seton Hill.
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