SLIPPERY ROCK — The formula is working at Slippery Rock University.

Coach Kevin Reynolds emphasizes defense, rebounding, free throws and ball handling as the means to victory on the basketball court.

“We’ve got the first three down pretty good,” The Rock men’s coach said. “The fourth one, we’re not quite there yet.”

But they were good enough to post a 70-60 victory over Edinboro Saturday at Morrow Field House. That win, coupled with Indiana’s 57-48 loss at Mercyhurst, pulled SRU (17-6, 14-5) within a game of the top spot in the PSAC West.

The first-place Crimson Hawks come to The Rock Saturday. SRU plays at California (Pa.) Wednesday night.

“Every game is a Game 7 for us now. We can’t afford to lose one,” Reynolds said.

Edinboro (15-8, 11-8) averages 77 points per game, but was held to a season-low 60 on Saturday. The Fighting Scots’ previous low was 62 — in a 62-59 win over SRU on Jan. 26.

The Rock leads all of NCAA Division II in rebounding differential at plus 12.6. Only Division I Colorado State (13.8) and Division III Washington-St. Louis (12.9) better that statistic in all of college basketball.

SRU also ranks among the top five nationally in blocked shots and opponents’ field-goal percentage.

“We do a lot of the little stuff that other teams won’t do,” senior forward Devin Taylor said. “We work hard at guarding people. We love to guard.

“There is no practicing rebounding. That’s an attitude. We don’t challenge the other team in that regard. We challenge each other. Our practices are brutal.”

The Rock had a 50-37 edge on the boards Saturday. Edinboro shot 35 percent from the floor and SRU took 70 shots to the Fignting Scots’ 57.

Gerald Brooks came off the bench to score 11 points and grab 13 rebounds for SRU. Luiz Santos had 12 points, 10 rebounds and blocked three shots.

“There’s nothing tricky about it. Rebounding is just go get the ball,” Santos said. “We talk a lot on defense, too. Everyone knows where everyone else is and we’re set up to take possession of the ball.

“We have a bunch of tall, athletic guys. It’s fun.”

Taylor scored 15 points Saturday and needs just four to become the 22nd Rock player — and second under Reynolds — to score 1,000 career points. Maron Brown was the first to do so under Reynolds.

“I’m all about wins,” Taylor said. “The points will come.”

SRU used a 7-0 run at the end of the first half for a 38-29 advantage. Aubin Reeves drained a trey, John Bayardelle a layup, then Bayardelle assisted on a Santos layup in transition.

Taylor scored nine points in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the second half, sparking an 11-4 run that opened up a 49-33 lead. Edinboro never got closer than nine the rest of the way.

“We recruit the type of player that fits our system and is willing to work on all facets of the game,” Reynolds said. “This is a good group. We’re winning with hard work.”

Jay Fletcher paced four Edinboro players in double figures with 13 points. Isaiah Prince and Will Marrow II scored 11 each, Xavier Churnac 10. Fletcher added seven rebounds and seven assists.