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BLOOMSBURG – For the second time in a week the Bloomsburg men's basketball team held court with a top 10-ranked opponent but couldn't overcome a late charge from No. 8 East Stroudsburg Wednesday evening at Nelson Field House, falling 74-63 in a battle for first place in the PSAC East.

Alssene Saintilus (Williamstown, NJ/Williamstown) provided the offensive spark for Bloomsburg (8-6, 4-1 PSAC East), tying a career-high with 21 points along with six rebounds but it was not enough against the undefeated Warriors (16-0, 6-0).

The Huskies matched ESU nearly shot-for-shot down the stretch in the opening period, pulling within three at intermission, 28-25.

East Stroudsburg began to take control early in the second half, opening the period on a 16-8 break to stretch the lead to double digits for the first time on a jumper from Matt Tobin with 14:55 left to go. Saintilus answered on the other end with a lay-in and then made one of two at the line to pull within eight at 44-36 before the two teams traded baskets to hold the margin at single digits with 12:30 remaining.

A pair of free throws from Jamal Nwaniemeka pulled the Warriors in front 50-40 to start a 12-5 break for ESU, ultimately seizing the game's largest lead at 17 points (62-45) with 5:35 showing on the clock. Bloomsburg got as close as 10 following a layup from Andrew Morgan (New Brunswick, NJ/St. Joseph's) at the 4:18 mark, but it would be as close as the hosts would get.

Bloomsburg had opportunities to take momentum at points, but poor foul shooting hurt its cause – the Huskies finished the night converting on 17 of 33 attempts at the line.

Jon Riles (Philadelphia/Academy of the New Church) gave the Huskies a second player in double figures as the junior guard netted 12 points with six rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Huskies were again without the services of all-conference starter Dontahe Jordan (Williamsport/Williamsport) who missed Wednesday's game due to injury.

Whis Grant poured in 21 points to lead ESU while Tobin added 17. Rasheed Moore posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

East Stroudsburg shot 45.8 percent from the floor (27-of-59) while Bloomsburg finished at 42.9 percent (21-49). The Warriors won the battle of the boards by a 44-30 margin.

Bloomsburg returns to action this Saturday at West Chester for a 3 p.m. scheduled tip off.