LHU Men Edged by West Chester 78-74

LOCK HAVEN – The Lock Haven University men’s basketball team (10-9, 6-9 PSAC) battled tough, but was edged by No. 20 West Chester University (16-2, 12-2 PSAC) 78-74 today at Thomas Fieldhouse.

LHU got off to a slow start in this one and the Bald Eagles trailed 18-5 in the first 8:06 of the game.

Lock Haven was resilient, however and closed the half on a 35-21 run to take the lead 40-37 at the halftime break.

The two teams battled back and forth in the second half, as the lead changed hands 10 times in the final 20 minutes.

West Chester built its lead to five, 70-65 with 6:31 to play in the game and the Bald Eagles were unable to rally back and even the score.

Shawn Church (Ridley, Pa./Ridley) had another big game for LHU off the bench. Church, who scored an LHU career-best 21 points in Wednesday’s game, added one to it with 22 points today. He shot 6-9 from the field and knocked down 9-12 free throws.

Bootsie Walker (Chester, Pa./Chester) was a force to be reckon with, especially in the first half, were he scored 14 of his 19 points. He added eight rebounds and three steals.

Ra’eese Hunt (Upper Marlboro, Md./Riverdale Baptist) drew the start tonight and had a solid game with 10 points and six boards.

Malik Jackson scored 22 points and Matt Wiseley scored 12 points and grabbed 24 rebounds to lead West Chester.

Lock Haven returns to action on Saturday, January 30 when LHU kicks off a three-game road trip beginning at Mansfield University. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.