Emmitsburg, Md. (December 29, 2011)--Mount St. Mary's made all the key plays in the closing minutes to post a 49-42 win over American on Thursday afternoon at Knott Arena.  Josh Castellanos paced the Mount with 15 points in the victory.

With the score tied 42-42 with 1:24 left, the Mount (2-10) scored the final seven points of the game to secure the victory.  Julian Norfleet's drive with 1:05 left snapped the tie and gave the Mount a two-point lead.

On the next possession, Raven Barber blocked a shot and the Mount came away with possession with 38 seconds remaining.  Castellanos was fouled on the inbounds and hit the first of two free throws.  He missed the second, but Barber came away with the offensive rebound and Castellanos was fouled again.  He hit both free throws to push the Mount lead to 47-42 with 34 seconds left.

Barber then drew a charge on American's next possession, and Castellanos sealed the win with two more free throws for the 49-42 victory.

Norfleet finished with 10 points in the win while Barber and Xavier Owens each had eight points and seven rebounds.  Danny Thompson pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds as the Mount held a commanding 41-to-24 edge on the boards, including 18 on the offensive glass.

Troy Brewer led American (8-6) with 15 points while Tony Wroblicky added 10 points and six boards.

In the first half, the Mount jumped to an 11-7 lead before the Eagles closed the half with a 14-to-7 spurt for a 21-18 lead at the break.

The Mount closes out the non-conference schedule on Saturday afternoon against Albany at Knott Arena.  Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.