MILLERSVILLE, Pa. — Clarion fell to Millersville, 75-68, in a closely contested PSAC matchup on Saturday at Pucillo Gymnasium. Clarion's effort included 42 total rebounds, but the Marauders' defense helped to secure the win by limiting the Golden Eagles to 35.5 field goal percentage.
Kendon Peebles delivered a double-double, scoring 13 points and collecting 11 rebounds.
Gavin Cote led in scoring with 16 points, including three 3-pointers.
Jeremy Thomas II added 14 points and converted six free throws.
Trey Nelson contributed with four assists and recorded one block.
The Golden Eagles began the first half with a layup by Cote, briefly taking the lead at the start. The Marauders responded with a series of successful 3-pointers, pushing Clarion to call a timeout at 15:10 as they trailed 14–6. Thomas provided a spark with a layup, but the Marauders maintained momentum, extending their lead to 19–11 midway through the half.
Clarion showed resilience with defensive stops and offensive rebounds, leading to a fast-break dunk by
Justice Easter and a 3-pointer by
Ricky Goode-Wright, narrowing the gap to 19–14. Despite Clarion's efforts, the Marauders capitalized on turnovers to maintain their advantage. Clarion's
Kendon Peebles added a 3-pointer and layup late in the half, closing with a 35–27 deficit.
Clarion opened the second half with a scoring drive that included a 3-pointer from Cote and a layup by Thomas, cutting into the Marauders' lead. Despite turnovers and fouls, Clarion maintained pressure with Peebles contributing both on offense and defense. Clarion's persistence on the boards and a balanced scoring effort from the bench helped them edge closer.
As the half progressed, Clarion continued to fight back with consistent scoring, including crucial free throws and a late 3-pointer by Easter. Defensive rebounds by Thomas enabled quick transitions to offense. Clarion's effort brought them within striking distance, ending the half with a 41–40 advantage, reducing Millersville's overall lead to 75–68.
