#8 West Chester Has 13-Game Win Streak Snapped With 79-70 Loss To Shippensburg

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - No. 8-ranked West Chester University is no longer undefeated after a 79-70 loss to Shippensburg University at Hollinger Field House on Wednesday night.
 
The Golden Rams entered the game with a 13-0 record, which marks the best start in team history. They were also the only undefeated team in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play this season, but now West Chester's 7-1 record is tied with Shippensburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
 
The Golden Rams had a promising start to Wednesday's game, taking a 20-10 lead over the Raiders (11-3 overall) just 6:26 into the start of the game. Senior center Tim Toro (Scranton, Pa. / Abington Heights) made a layup to put West Chester up 32-27, but Shippensburg responded with a 12-0 run over the final 1:46 of the first half to go up by seven.
 
West Chester climbed back in the second half, and a good three-pointer by sophomore Josh Samec (Trecksow, Pa. / Hazleton) had the score tied at 46 with 13:55 left in regulation. Unfortunately for West Chester, Shippensburg made a three of its own 54 seconds later, and the Raiders never let the Golden Rams come back again.
 
Freshman Robbie Heath (Whittlesea, Australia / Abington) had a game-high 20 points to go along with nine rebounds. Leading the PSAC and all Division II freshmen at 24 points per game, Heath has scored at least 20 in 11 of the 13 contests that he's played in.
 
Toro played 26 minutes on Wednesday and posted his second double-double of the season, scoring 10 points with a team-high 11 rebounds.
 
Currently boasting its highest national ranking since 1983, No. 8 West Chester will look to bounce back on Saturday at Mansfield University at 3 p.m.