CLARION, Pa. —
Trey Nelson scored the go-ahead basket with just over 20 seconds left to play, helping Clarion edge Frostburg State 95-94 in a thrilling matchup on Wednesday at Tippin Gymnasium. Clarion (2-1, 0-0 PSAC) capitalized on 21 points off turnovers and secured the win despite Frostburg St.'s (1-2, 0-0 MEC) strong second-half performance.
The Golden Eagles led by as many as 20 points in the second half after an explosive run to start the game, with Clarion holding a comfortable advantage for 30 minutes of action. The Bobcats pulled closer down the stretch with a huge run of their own, eventually tying the game at 93 after a three-pointer by DJ Daniel with 1:49 to play.
A defensive stop with 37 seconds left in regulation allowed the Golden Eagles to set up a play, and Nelson delivered in the clutch. He pushed around the Bobcat defenders to his right and had an open lane to the hoop, driving and laying it in with 20.6 seconds to play to make it 95-93.
On the other end of the floor,
Justice Easter was called for a foul while attempting to block Kyle Whippen's shot with just over six seconds to play. Whippen made the first free throw but missed the second, but Frostburg State had one more shot at the game. The offensive rebound caromed out to Zane McCarty, whose 18-foot jump shot rimmed out.
Jeremy Thomas II pulled down the rebound to preserve the lead and close out the wild win.
Gavin Cote scored a career-high 29 points, including five 3-pointers, and recorded three steals.
Kendon Peebles added 20 points with two 3-pointers, converting all four free throws. Easter contributed with eight points and recorded five assists and nine rebounds.
The stat sheet filler of the night was Thomas, though; he recorded the first triple-double of his career with 10 points, a career-high 10 assists and 11 rebounds, while also tallying three steals. It is the first triple-double recorded in Division II men's basketball this season.
Clarion initiated the first half with a series of efficient plays, highlighted by Cote's early 3-pointer followed by a fast-break dunk from Peebles. Clarion capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks to maintain momentum, building a steady lead. Thomas was instrumental, providing several assists that contributed to the team's scoring drives.
The half saw the Golden Eagles outperforming Frostburg State in the paint, scoring 32 points inside compared to Frostburg's 24. Clarion also dominated in fast-break points, with 21 against Frostburg's 4. The team closed the first half ahead, 50–39, holding a comfortable lead into the next half.
Clarion began the second half with momentum, as Peebles converted a fast-break layup and added a free throw to widen their lead. This game marked Peebles' achievement of scoring at least 20 total points in two consecutive games. Cote further extended the advantage with a 3-pointer, while Clarion's defense was effective in forcing turnovers, allowing them to capitalize on the fast break. The Bobcats attempted to respond, but Clarion maintained control with efficient scoring from the field and the free-throw line.
Midway through the half, Clarion's offensive efforts were bolstered by a layup from Nelson, who also contributed with assists throughout the game. Despite Frostburg State's attempts to close the gap, Thomas and Easter held firm defensively, ensuring the home team stayed ahead.
