CLARION, Pa. — The Golden Eagles (10-8, 5-5 PSAC) soared to a thrilling 84-79 victory over the Pitt-Johnstown (10-8, 4-6 PSAC) on Saturday at Coach Cal Court at Tippin Gym. Clarion outscored the Mountain Cats 15-7 over the course of the final five minutes to secure their first three-game winning streak against PSAC West opponents since the 2009-10 season.
Trey Nelson was the star of the night, notching a career-high 29 points, hitting 10 of 14 shots, and adding three 3-pointers. He also dished out 10 assists and snagged five steals.
Jeremy Thomas II dominated the boards with 13 rebounds, while scoring 21 points and grabbing three steals.
Justice Easter chipped in 13 points with three 3-pointers and four rebounds, marking his seventh straight game with at least 13 points.
Gavin Cote added two steals and 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.
The Golden Eagles came out ready to fly in the first half, seizing second-chance points and fast breaks. Nelson lit up the court with back-to-back 3-pointers, while
Jeremy Thomas II ignited the crowd with a fast-break dunk at 15:34. Their defense was on point, forcing 10 turnovers and turning them into crucial points to keep a slight edge.
As the half unfolded, Clarion kept the rhythm going with smooth ball movement, tallying 11 assists. Thomas and Nelson were pivotal, with Thomas consistently finding the basket inside. The Mountain Cats made it interesting with strong paint play, but the Golden Eagles held onto a slim lead as the half closed at 38-37.
The second half saw Clarion assert their dominance as
Cam Crockett's offensive rebound and tip-in quickly put them back on top at 19:10.
Gavin Cote and
Justice Easter drained 3-pointers, stretching the lead to 47–42 at 16:37. With solid defensive rebounds and sharp scoring in the paint, the Golden Eagles built a 63–54 lead by mid-half, setting a season-high of 25 offensive rebounds.
UPJ did their best to claw back, but Nelson's clutch field goals and free throws kept Clarion ahead. In the closing minutes, Thomas II's fast-break dunk and success at the free-throw line sealed the deal for the Golden Eagles. The half wrapped up with Clarion ahead 84–79, finishing the half with a 46–42 advantage.
