CLARION, Pa. — The Golden Eagles (9-8, 4-5 PSAC) pulled off a gritty 81-75 triumph over the California (PA) Vulcans (11-5, 8-1 PSAC) on Wednesday night in Tippin Gym. Clarion's defensive intensity was the cornerstone of their success, forcing 15 turnovers and snagging 13 steals.
Taking on a team that was previously undefeated in conference play, the Golden Eagles pounced on the Vulcans defensively, cashing in on the latter's turnovers and turning them into points. Clarion forced 15 Cal turnovers and converted them into 23 points. On the other end, the Golden Eagles committed just seven turnovers, accounting for a solitary point for the visiting team.
Justice Easter was a force, leading with 21 points and two blocks.
Trey Nelson added 18 points, including three from downtown, and dished out eight assists.
Cam Crockett chipped in 10 points, perfect from the line with six free throws, plus five steals.
Gavin Cote contributed 13 points, hitting three from beyond the arc.
The Golden Eagles hit the ground running in the first half, with sharp ball movement setting the pace early.
Jeremy Thomas II made his presence felt with a layup and a rare 3-pointer, both assisted by Nelson, giving Clarion a quick advantage.
Capitalizing on turnovers, Clarion turned up the heat with fast-break points and showcased a strong defensive stance, adding three blocks into the mix.
Kendon Peebles fueled the offense with a clutch 3-pointer and a layup, both courtesy of Crockett, widening their lead.
Clarion's shooting from deep kept the pressure on, with
Ricky Goode-Wright knocking down critical three-pointers. The half wrapped up with the Golden Eagles on top, 40-36, thanks to Easter's late layup keeping the Vulcans at a distance.
The second half kicked off with a bang as Crockett snatched the ball at 19:50, setting an aggressive tone. Easter led the charge with a fast-break dunk and a three-pointer, sparking a 7–0 run that pushed the lead to 45–38 by 18:22.
Throughout the half, Clarion held the reins with precise outside shooting, spotlighting key threes from Easter and Cote. Nelson added fuel to the fire with a pivotal three at 6:22, ensuring the Vulcans stayed at arm's length.
In crunch time, Clarion capitalized on free throws, with Nelson coming through in the clutch to seal the deal. Despite a late push from Cal, the Golden Eagles stood firm and closed it out 81–75.
