CLARION, Pa. -  The Clarion University men's basketball team was defeated by Mercyhurst 50-49 Friday evening at Tippin Gymnasium.  The loss moves the Golden Eagles to 5-8 on the season (3-5 PSAC).  The Blue and Gold return to action Monday evening when they host Seton Hill at Tippin. 

Cam Grumley and Jamani Pierce each recorded a team-high 12 points.  Akeem Williams turned in a team-leading eight rebounds while RJ Laugand went 2-2 from beyond the three-point arc.  

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The game was a very tight, physical, defensive style game, with both teams battling for possession and rebounds in lieu of three-pointers all night.  Thanks in part to a double-digit lead the Lakers were able to open up in the games opening few minutes, the Golden Eagles were forced to play from behind all game long.

But thanks to a pair of huge finishes in the post from Williams and Pierce, the Eagles were able to pull to with two points, 48-46 with under a minute to play in the second.  After drawing a shooting foul, Pierce knocked down each to give CU it's first lead of the night with just seconds remaining.  

It was all for not, however, as the Lakers managed to sink a basket with five seconds remaining to seal the deal.  Grumley had a clean look at the hoop and managed to squeeze off a last-second desperation attempt, however the ball hit the rim and bounced out.