CLARION, Pa. – After a tough home loss earlier in the week the Clarion men's basketball team dropped a 89-53 home decision to the #4 team in the country and league-leading Crimson Hawks of IUP Saturday afternoon.

An offensive battle for both teams, IUP built an early double-digit lead and led 44-24 at halftime. Clarion's Stevan Rodriguez netted a layup with just under 12 minutes remaing in the second half to cut the deficit to just 18 points, but the Golden Eagles were unable to inch any closer.

IUP continues to lead the PSAC West and improves their record to 18-1 overall and 11-1 in the PSAC.  Clarion drops to 4-12 on the season and 2-10 in PSAC play.

Both teams struggled from the floor as Clarion shot 31% compared to just 47% for IUP. The advantage was from beyond the arc, where IUP shot 50% compared to Clarion's 26%. The Crimson Hawks also held a slight advantage on the boards, grabbing 44 rebounds to the Golden Eagles 37. 

Clarion was led by sophomore guard Khari Williams who collected a double-double on the afternoon. Williams scored a game high 25 points, while grabbing 11 boards and dishing off three assists, playing 36 minutes. Big man, Jonathan Williams contributed 10 points, while teammates Lawrence Lemon and Rodriguez each added five points.

IUP was led by Dante Lombardi's 23 points, shooting lights out from beyond the arc going 5-9 for the game, while the Crimson Hawks two big men each added double-doubles. Jacobo Diaz finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Willem Brandwijk added 11 points and 12 boards.

Clarion will return hit the road for three consecutive away games starting this Wednesday, January 30^th, when they travel to PSAC West rival California University of PA. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM at the Convocation Center on the campus of CalU.