CLARION, Pa. --- The Golden Eagles men's basketball team closed out their three-game homestand with a resounding home win on Monday night, beating Penn State Fayette 110-59at Coach Cal Court. After a relatively close first half Clarion pulled away with a big run to start the second half, outscoring the Nittany Lions 14-2 over the course of 3:23.
 
The game actually began to turn with just under five minutes to go in the first half, with the Golden Eagles leading by single digits. Clarion held a 37-28 advantage with 4:33 left to go before embarking on a 14-6 run before heading into the locker room. Justice Easter took a feed from Jeremy Thomas II and laid it in to bump the lead to 11 points, and Gavin Cote made it 43-28 with 2:35 to play on a driving layup. Kendon Peebles closed out the first half with a transition dunk, scoring off Easter's steal and pass to make it a 51-34 game.
 
The charge to the first media timeout of the second half saw another long Clarion run, with the Golden Eagles outscoring the Nittany Lions 14-2 in that span. Easter made it a 20-point game with a make after Thomas's defensive rebound and pass, and Peebles capped the run with a dunk that forced a Penn State Fayette timeout with 16:01 left in regulation.
 
Clarion opened the first half with strong defensive play, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. Gavin Cote's three-pointer at 18:01 put the team on the scoreboard, followed by a series of fast-break points facilitated by Justice Easter's steals and assists. Clarion's aggressive defense resulted in nine steals, which contributed significantly to their lead.
 
Throughout the second half, the Golden Eagles maintained control, taking advantage of turnovers and capitalizing on the Nittany Lions' missed opportunities. Clarion's defense was effective, as evidenced by multiple blocks and defensive rebounds, while their offense was bolstered by efficient free throw shooting and contributions from the bench, leading to a significant scoring advantage.
 
Clarion closed the half strongly, highlighted by 3-pointers from Brody McQuiston and Zaire Smaltz, rounding out a commanding second half. The half ended with Clarion leading 110-59, having outscored the Nittany Lions 59-25 in the second half.
 
Aydan Cunningham led the team with 16 points, making 6 of 9 field goals and adding two blocks. Cote contributed 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and collected three rebounds. Cam Crockett recorded a double-double, finishing with 11 rebounds and 11 points. Easter added 10 points and dished out four assists, while also collecting three steals.
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