SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Slippery Rock University men's basketball team extended its winning streak to six games with a 79-72 victory over Edinboro University Wednesday at Morrow Field House.
The win improves The Rock's record to 17-10 overall and 13-8 inside the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. SRU concludes the home portion of its 2021-22 schedule with an 11-5 record at the friendly confines of Morrow Field House.
It was also determined Wednesday night following California's upset of No. 17 Mercyhurst that Slippery Rock will enter the upcoming PSAC Tournament as the fifth seed in the Western Division, assuring SRU of playing a road game in the first round on Feb. 28 on the fourth seed's home court.
The Rock's first round opponent will not be known until Saturday night as there is still a logjam between Cal U, Mercyhurst and Pitt-Johnstown to determine the second, third and fourth seeds in the Western Division.
Prior to Wednesday's game, Slippery Rock's senior class of
Eric Taylor and
Tyler Frederick were both recognized for their contributions to the program in a pre-game ceremony.
Frederick extended his streak of consecutive double-doubles to four following a 28-point, 15-rebound outing. Five of his rebounds came on the offensive glass.
Reigning PSAC West Athlete of the Week
Amante Britt supplied Slippery Rock with 19 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal while
Jonathan McFall led a spirited defensive effort with four blocks and two steals all the while scoring 14 points.
Frankie Hughes and
Dylan Ahearn scored six points apiece with Hughes also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists.
Lashon Lindsey blocked three shots to round out The Rock's top contributors.
SRU and the Fighting Scots traded baskets for the majority of the opening 10 minutes of the contest before a 14-5 Rock run opened up a 32-24 lead that would eventually turn into a four-point halftime lead at 39-35.
Slippery Rock went on to put the game out of reach coming out of the halftime break as SRU outscored the Fighting Scots 22-9 over the first 10 minutes of the half, and in the process, stretching its lead out to a game-high 17 points (61-44). Frederick accounted for 11 points over the run.
To their credit, the Fighting Scots didn't quit as SRU's sizeable lead shrunk to as little as four points, but any thoughts of a road upset were put to rest by Slippery Rock which connected on eight of its final 10 free throws to close out the seven-point win.
Slippery Rock continued its impressive run at the foul line Wednesday by converting 90.5 percent (19-of-21) of its free throws. SRU is shooting 81.6 percent (84-for-103) from the foul line over its six-game winning streak. In addition to its success from the charity stripe, SRU also shot 42.9 percent (27-of-63) from the field overall and 33.3 percent (6-of-18) from 3-point range.
The Rock committed just eight turnovers, their fourth lowest total in a game this season, while blocking eight shots and holding an 11-5 advantage over the Fighting Scots in points off turnovers.
Edinboro connected on just 41.1 percent (30-of-73) of its field goals including a 7-of-22 (.318) showing from 3-point range. EU attempted only nine free throws, five of which were successful (.556). Deontae Robertson had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds in the loss for the Fighting Scots.
Slippery Rock concludes its regular season schedule on the road 3 p.m. Saturday at nationally ranked Mercyhurst. The Lakers defeated SRU, 73-66, in the first meeting of the season earlier in the year at Morrow Field House.
To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official athletic communication accounts on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).
