Jan. 21, 2009

Box Score

CLARION - Clarion's Josh Yanke's 3-point attempt at the horn was short allowing California to escape Clarion's Tippin Gym with a 57-54 win over the Golden Eagles Wednesday night.

Clarion, which trailed most of the second half, had taken a 54-52 lead on a Yanke 3-pointer with 1:36 to play. But Cal scored the last five points of the game tying the game on a Jesse Brooks jumper in the lane with 1:14 to play and then taking a 56-54 lead on two free throws by Jerial Nixon with 37 seconds left.

The Golden Eagles (9-6 overall, 0-3 PSAC-West) had a chance to tie the game with seven seconds to play, but Shameel Carty's shot in the lane was blocked by Chris Moore, one of five blocks by the junior, and rebounded by Kenny Johnson, who was fouled. Johnson hit only one of two free throws allowing Clarion one last chance to tie.

Yanke led Clarion with 12 points and 10 rebounds, his seventh double-double of the year. Carty added 11 points and Mike Sherry 10.

Nixon led Cal (10-5, 3-0) with 15 points and five rebounds, and Kelsey Williams had 11 points and seven rebounds. Julian Logan added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Clarion trailed 29-28 at halftime and the game remained within four points the entire second half with Cal leading most of the way before Clarion took a 51-50 lead with 3:43 to play when Carty stole an inbound pass, got a layup, was fouled and completed the old-fashion 3-point play. Cal immediately went back ahead 18 seconds later on a layup by Nixon.

Clarion returns to action at 3 p.m. Saturday at Slippery Rock.

NOTES - It's the 17th time Clarion and Cal have played a game decided by six points or less under 21st year head coach Ron Righter and the 13th time that game has been decided by three points or less.