DETROIT (10/28/2024) -- Senior Mak Manciel led the Titans with 13 points and freshman Nate Johnson added 11 as the University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball raised money for Detroit Public Schools, K-5, in a setback to Wayne State in the 6th Annual City College Series.

With 1,203 people at the game and with Michigan First Credit Union's matching gift, the charity exhibition contest raised $4,812 for the DPS Foundation. In the event's history, Titan Athletics and Michigan First have helped raise nearly $40,000 for DPS K-5 through ticket sales and matching contributions from the Credit Union. 

Manciel also had six rebounds and three steals. Johnson tallied four rebounds and five assists, while graduate senior Emmanuel Kuac grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

Wayne State took an early lead, but Detroit Mercy jumped in front, 15-14, with less than nine minutes left in the first half as Manciel had an offensive rebound and putback. Redshirt freshman Grant Gondrezick II's jumper had the team up, 17-16, but the Warriors took a 25-24 lead at the break.

Junior Jared Lary started the second half with a layup as UDM reclaimed the lead, and a three by Johnson had the red, white and blue ahead, 33-31, just a few minutes into the stanza. 

The game was tied several times in the next seven minutes when Manciel drilled a three for a 44-41 lead at the 9:40 mark. Johnson then scored four straight points off two free throws and a layup, and the Titans led by five, 48-43, with 7:41 remaining. 

WSU rallied for the lead, but junior Orlando Lovejoy's floater had the team trailing by just one, 55-54, with 2:07 left, but the Titans could not get one more basket for the win. 

Junior Legend Geeter finished with seven points and six rebounds. Senior Alex Tchikou recorded four points, two rebounds and two blocks and freshman Stephen Okoro posted four points, seven boards, a block and a steal.

Detroit Mercy will officially open the season next Monday, Nov. 4, as the Titans welcome Cleary into Calihan Hall. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.