Box Score Scranton, PA- Riding the momentum of a recent string of good performances the Highlanders went into Scranton tonight hoping for another conference win.  A poor-shooting first half, and susceptibility to two big Marywood runs hurt the Highlanders hopes, as they fell to the Pacers by a score of 79-70.

Box Score (Coming Soon)

The Highlanders struggled to score early in the first half, and Marywood built a built a ten point lead, 22-12, about fourteen minutes into the contest.  Darnell Clowney and Reuben Lacy combined for an 8-0 run that would bring the Highlanders within four points of Marywood; but Marywood erupted for a ten point run of their own over the next two minutes of gameplay stretching their lead to fourteen points.  A Charles Hopkins jumper closed the scoring for the first half, and Cairn went into the break trailing 41-28. 

The Highlanders, behind Lacy, battled back early in the second half, bringing the Pacers' lead to as few as seven points.  Again, Marywood responded to the Highlanders efforts to get back in the game, mounting another ten point run that would effectively sink Cairn's hope for the night.  The Highlanders proved their resiliency by chipping away at the Pacers lead throughout the remainder of the second half; but the Marywood lead was simply too substantial as Cairn lost by nine points, 79-70, when the final buzzer sounded.

One of the biggest differences between the two teams was Marywood's ability to get to the line.  The Pacers attempted 32 free throws for the contest, cashing in on 22; while the Highlanders only managed to attempt 10 free throws the entire night.  The Highlanders low free throw total was a significant detraction from their effort to win, and perhaps one that would have made up the nine point difference Marywood won by.  

For the Highlanders, Lacy notched another double-double, continuing his impressive play in the second half of the season. Darnell Clowney also had an impressive scoring night as the elusive guard poured in eighteen points.

Cairn's statistical leaders for the night were:

Reuben Lacy (18 points, 13 rebounds)
Darnell Clowney (18 points, 5 rebounds)
Obed Rivera (13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists)

Cairn will travel to Baptist Bible College Monday night as the Highlanders seek to sweep the season series against the Defenders at 7:00 PM.