A late 3-pointer sunk Pitt-Johnstown in a narrow 72-71 loss to Edinboro on Wednesday evening at the Sports Center.

The Mountain Cats dropped to 7-8 (3-5 PSAC).

Ryan Smith poured in 15 points and five rebounds to lead the way. Sean Dillon racked up 13 points and a team-high five assists. Vinnie Cugini tallied 12 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Neither team led by more than six throughout the second half. That came when Cenker Evran scored on a layup that put the Scots up 57-51. But eight straight points capped off by two free throws from Will Kromka allowed the Mountain Cats to jump on top 59-57 with less than seven minutes remaining.

Unfortunately, it was the last time the Mountain Cats held a lead. Down 70-66 with just 90 seconds to go, a free throw and a jumper from Smith made it a one-point game heading into the final minute. A bucket from Edinboro was immediately answered by a layup from Dillon.

After forcing a turnover, the Mountain Cats had a chance to win in the final seconds, but Smith's three was just off the mark.

Despite the result, it was the exact type of start the Mountain Cats were seeking. They bounded out to a 14-6 lead that developed into an 18-9 advantage after a layup from Dillon at the 12:03 mark.

That lead was eventually whittled down, but Cugini hit two free throws with 19 seconds left in the half to send the Mountain Cats into the locker room with a 35-33 lead.

Evran had a double-double with game-highs of 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Scots, who moved to 8-7 (5-4 PSAC).

Pitt-Johnstown visits Clarion on Saturday at 3 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the women's team.