EAST STROUDSBURG - Despite a loss to West Chester University, the East Stroudsburg University men's basketball team clinched a playoff spot.

West Chester moved into first place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division and also clinched a playoff berth with the 77-65 victory over the Warriors, Saturday afternoon at Koehler Fieldhouse.

Cheyney's loss to Millersville on Saturday allowed both ESU and the Golden Rams to earn playoff berths. The berth in the playoffs is the first since 1998 for the Warriors.

West Chester is now 8-3 in conference play with one game remaining while ESU is 7-3 with two games left. Mansfield is 6-4 while Kutztown is 5-5. Cheyney is 4-6. The top four teams advance to the playoffs which begin February 28.

Murvin English led the Warriors with 13 points, making three of four three-point attempts. Danny Hargrove and Darron Bradley each had 11 points for ESU. Josh Wentz had eight points and six rebounds to go with a pair of assists and two steals. Channon Easley finished with nine points, two blocks, two steals and an assist.

ESU led early in the game, 12-5 on a pair of free throws from Easley with four minutes spent. West Chester tied the game eight minutes later and led by five at halftime, 33-28.

The Warriors got within three on a free throw from Ryan Sweet midway through the second half but could get no closer and split the season series with the Golden Rams.

ESU, 16-9 overall, will play at Mansfield Wednesday.