MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – Cheyney men's basketball erased a 21-point deficit and took a 69-66 advantage, but could not hold the lead and dropped an 81-75 decision at Milliersville University Saturday afternoon to open PSAC East play and close out 2107 inside Pucillo Gymnasium.

Zahir Stewart recorded his first career double wit 19 points to match his career-high and 11 rebounds to pace the Wolves (1-9, 1-5 PSAC E). Cliff St. Juste added 16 points and Brewster Ward III and Olin Ugo added 10 points each.

Conrad Chambers led all-players with 20 points and Marcus Adkison scored 18 points for the Marauders (4-8, 2-4 PSAC E) who used a 9-0 run after the Wolves had forged ahead to take a 75-69 lead en route to the victory.

Cheyney closed the first half with a 9-0 run capped by five points from St. Juste in the final 16 seconds, top trail 44-34 after 20 minutes.

The Wolves opened the second half with the first six points to pull within four at 44-40.

Cheyney, who trailed 61-52 with 11:32 to play went on a 9-to-1 blitz with Stewart going on a personal seven point run to make it a one-point contest at 62-61 with 9:24 remaining.

The Maruaders pushed the lead back to five ad 66-61, but the Wolves responded with eight straight to take its first lead of the game on a layup by St. Juste and the freshman made it a three-point lead on two free-throws at the 6:12 mark.

Cheyney who committed 38 turnovers in the game would fall victim with three consecutive give-aways and the Wolves would also miss five free-throws in the final five minutes in falling in the East opener.

The Wolves head west for a Wednesday evening contest on Jan. 3, against Clarion University with the tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.