SHIPPENSBURG, Pa - Clarion men's basketball got off to a slow start and was unable to catch up, falling 78-65 on the road to Shippensburg University, Saturday afternoon.

Clarion (2-7, 0-4 PSAC), playing their second of back to back road games, fell behind early and trailed the Red Raiders at the half, 43-24.

Shippensburg played up to their solid reputation on defense, coming into the game having allowed an average of just 69 points.  Clarion had been averaging 84 points per game on offense, but shot just 38% from the floor on Saturday. 

The Golden Eagles shot better in the second half, where they went 15 for 35 (42%) including 5 of 12 from three point range.

Clarion was led by freshman Mason Mraz, who registered 14 points on 5 of 11 shooting, while also pulling down 7 rebounds.  Israel Atkins got the starting nod on Saturday, delivering 12 points and 7 rebounds in 24 minutes of work.  Senior Cameron Grumley narrowly missed a double-double on the day, finishing with 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Coach Marcess Williams and his squad will play their 5^th of 5 consecutive road games, next Saturday when they travel to Bloomsburg University for a PSAC contest.  Tip-off against the Huskies is set for 1pm.