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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's basketball team couldn't overcome a 20 percent shooting effort in the first half and dropped a 65-58 decision at Mercyhurst University Saturday in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division action.
 
The Rock failed to make a field goal for more than seven minutes to start the game and knocked down just 5-of-25 shots from the floor in the opening 20 minutes as Mercyhurst jumped out to a 31-23 halftime lead.
 
Slippery Rock battled back and cut the deficit to two points with just over four minutes to play in the second half, but the Lakers responded with a 5-0 run and then knocked down their free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
 
The loss drops Slippery Rock to 12-4 overall and 7-3 in PSAC games and continues a series trend between these two teams of the hosts having the upper hand. The series has seen a regular season split in each of the last five years with the home team winning each game for the last four seasons. Mercyhurst improves to 11-5 overall and 8-3 in PSAC games with the win.
 
For just the second time this season, Slippery Rock was out-rebounded by its opponent as Mercyhurst posted a 42-40 edge on the glass. The Rock entered the game with the best rebounding margin in the country among all NCAA programs, regardless of division (+18.0). SRU did manage to pull down 16 offensive rebounds, but could only convert those boards into 12 second chance points.
 
The Lakers weren't much better on the offensive side of the floor Saturday, shooting just 35.2 percent for the game, but Slippery Rock's offensive struggles made that number just enough. It marked the first time this season The Rock has lost a game in which their opponent shot less than 45 percent.
 
Five Slippery Rock players took five or more shots in the game and all five of them finished with shooting percentages below 35.0.
 
Frank Holloway was the top point scorer and rebounder for The Rock with 12 points and nine rebounds, but it came on a 3-of-10 shooting effort. Antonio Butler added 11 points on a 3-of-14 shooting night as the only other player in double figures.
 
Malcolm Richardson scored eight points off the bench, Cornelius Brown added six points and seven rebounds and Erik Raleigh chipped in six points off the bench.
 
Slippery Rock shot the ball slightly better in the second half and outscored Mercyhurst 35-34 over the final 20 minutes. The Rock finished the game shooting 31.5 percent from the field (17-of-54), 15.8 percent from 3-point (3-of-19) and 72.4 percent from the free throw line (21-of-29).
 
Mercyhurst shot 35.2 percent from the field (19-of-54), 31.6 percent from 3-point (6-of-19) and 84 percent at the free throw line (21-of-25).
 
The Lakers were led by Damon Jones with 14 points. Gerrae Williams and Andy Hoying each scored 11 points.
 
Saturday's game marked a return to PSAC divisional play after the league's crossover scheduled wrapped up earlier this week. The Rock returns to action this Wednesday with a road game at Seton Hill. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.
 
Slippery Rock's next home game will be next Saturday, Jan. 17, when rival Indiana (Pa.) visits Morrow Field House for a 7:30 p.m. tip.