Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Lance McDowell scored 18 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots to lead host West Chester University to a 66-58 victory over visiting Shippensburg inside Hollinger Field House Wednesday evening.
West Chester (13-10, 4-7 PSAC East) ended a two-game slide and kept its playoff hopes alive with the win while sweeping the season series from Shippensburg (8-15, 3-8). The Raiders fell into last place in the Eastern Division standings and have seen their playoff hopes dashed.
Shippensburg made a valiant comeback bid in the second half, cutting a 24-point deficit five minutes into the second half down to six with 1:53 to play. However, the Golden Rams held off the Raiders down the stretch to pick up the win.
Senior Eli Daniel and sophomore Shannon Givens made a pair of layups to push West Chester's lead back to double-digits with one minute left in the game. Harley Williamson then nailed three of four foul shots in the final seconds to secure the win for the Golden Rams.
West Chester jumped out in front early thanks to a 17-2 run midway through the first half that turned a one-point deficit into a 14-point lead (21-7) with 7:29 left. McDowell fueled the run with eight points, including a dunk, and a pair of blocked shots.
Jaleel Mack netted 11 points in the contest. Daniel scored 10 points.
West Chester will be back in action on Saturday at home against Millersville. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. after the women’s game.
