CALIFORNIA, Pa. — The Clarion Golden Eagles (11-13, 6-10 PSAC) faced a tough matchup on the road against California (PA) (17-6, 14-2 PSAC), ultimately falling 103-86 to the Vulcans on Saturday.
Trey Nelson led Clarion with 19 points, including four 3-pointers and five assists.
Jeremy Thomas II contributed 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.
Gavin Cote added 13 points, connecting on four of five free throws.
Justice Easter chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds.
The first half saw Thomas making an immediate impact with a layup at 17:46. Although turnovers were a challenge, Clarion found success in the paint, keeping the score tight. Nelson's three-pointer at 13:52 kept the Golden Eagles within reach.
Clarion capitalized on crucial defensive stops, with Easter grabbing key rebounds and sinking a three-pointer at 6:37. As the half progressed, Thomas and
Aydan Cunningham found opportunities in the paint, maintaining a competitive edge. By halftime, Clarion trailed 49-40, staying in the game with effective scoring and timely defense.
In the second half, the Golden Eagles fought hard, closing the gap with a layup and free throw from Cunningham, bringing the score to 45-51. Thomas's layup further chipped away at Cal's lead.
Kendon Peebles and
Ricky Goode-Wright each nailed three-pointers, narrowing the deficit to just one point at 74-73.
Cote briefly put Clarion ahead with a jumper at 75-74, but the Vulcans swiftly regained control. Despite Clarion's efforts, their defense struggled to contain Cal's offense, and the Vulcans pulled away to close the game at 103-86.
