ERIE, Pa. — The Clarion Golden Eagles (10-10, 5-7 PSAC) pulled to within a few possessions late in the second half, but ultimately fell to the seventh-ranked Gannon Golden Knights (18-2, 11-1 PSAC) by a final score of 91-73 at the Highmark Events Center.
The margin in the game was just five points with 4:22 to play, when
Justice Easter drained a three-pointer to cut Golden Knights' lead to 76-71.
Jeremy Thomas II helped keep the Golden Eagles in striking distance with 2:13 to go with a layup but Gannon blew up from there, scoring 11 straight points down the stretch to lock up the win.
The night started on a high note for Clarion as they took an early lead. Easter charged down the court for a fast-break layup, followed by a 3-pointer from
Gavin Cote, setting the pace.
Trey Nelson's sharp assists kept the momentum alive. With contributions from Thomas and
Kendon Peebles, the Golden Eagles surged to a 20-9 lead midway through the first half, backed by a solid defensive performance that included six steals.
Yet, the Golden Knights were quick to regroup. Mackenzie Morgan spearheaded their comeback with a series of successful shots, including two clutch 3-pointers. Despite Clarion's determined efforts, Gannon's offensive drive in the closing minutes of the first half left the Golden Eagles trailing 37-28 at the break.
As the second half kicked off, Clarion's defense came out swinging, highlighted by a crucial block from Nelson on Gannon's first possession. Thomas and
Cam Crockett chipped in with back-to-back layups, cutting the deficit to 39–32. But the Golden Knights answered with a flurry of fast-break points, stretching their lead further.
Easter made the most of an offensive rebound to score, but Gannon stayed in control. Nelson's three-pointer at the six-minute mark sparked a rally for Clarion, inching the score closer to 74–65. However, Gannon's unyielding scoring, including a pivotal three-pointer, helped them maintain their advantage.
Easter led Clarion with 19 points, hitting all six of his free throws and snagging two steals. Nelson added 12 points, with two 3-pointers, three steals, and five assists. Thomas recorded a double-double, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Cote chipped in 11 points and six rebounds.
