EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – In their regular-season finale, the East Stroudsburg University men's basketball team nearly completed an epic comeback but fell short in overtime, losing 94-89 to Lock Haven on Saturday at Koehler Fieldhouse.
Prior to the game, seniors
Mike Ramos,
Cam Young and
Lakeem McAliley were honored for Senior Day.
The Warriors (21-7, 15-6 PSAC) trailed by as many as 18 points but rallied to take the lead in the final seconds of regulation. However, the Bald Eagles (15-12, 12-9) forced overtime with a last-second 3-pointer and carried that momentum into the extra period to secure the win.
Notable players
Cam Young posted a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double on 67% shooting and added four steals.
Lakeem McAliley finished with 18 points, five rebounds and two steals while shooting 50% from the floor.
Evan Morton dished out a game-high six assists and scored 15 points.
Shemar Wilbanks-Acqui was the fourth Warrior in double figures with 11 points on 67% shooting.
How it happened
Lock Haven jumped out to an 11-1 lead just four minutes into the game and extended its advantage to 15 points before ESU trimmed the deficit to nine at halftime following a layup from Morton in the closing seconds.
The Bald Eagles maintained control and led by 12 with 5:40 remaining, but the Warriors stormed back. After a McAliley basket, Morton came up with a steal and a quick score to cut the lead to eight. Later
Jalen Pichardo converted a three-point play, giving ESU its first lead at 81-78.
Lock Haven answered with a deep 3-pointer in the final seconds to force overtime. In the extra period, the Warriors stayed within striking distance but never regained the lead, as the Bald Eagles held on for the 94-89 victory.
Up Next
ESU will host a home playoff game at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Koehler Fieldhouse against the winner of Monday's Shepherd-Shippensburg matchup.
