Freshman Gavin Headings secured his third double-double of the year with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, and Pitt-Johnstown came out rejuvenated in the second half to close out 2023 with a come-from-behind 84-63 victory over Kutztown at Keystone Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Mountain Cats created some positive momentum heading into the new year by shooting 21 for 31 (67.7%) over the final 20 minutes to overcome a seven-point halftime deficit and improve to 4-7 (2-3 PSAC).

Nick Watts came off the bench in the second half and went 7 for 7 from the field to set a career-high with 16 points. Andrew Shull contributed 15 points and dished out six assists. Freshman Vinnie Cugini notched his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Ryan Smith and Will Kromka each added 10 points.

Pitt-Johnstown altered the complexion of the game with a 21-5 rally that spanned more than six minutes and ended with a layup from Kromka that made it 60-49 with roughly 10 minutes left. It was never in doubt from that point on as the lead grew to as many as 23 in the final minutes.

The Mountain Cats finished a healthy 33 of 61 (54%) from the field. They held a 43-26 advantage on the glass and a significant 54-38 edge in points in the paint.

Kromka's traditional 3-point play with less than seven minutes to play in the first half tied the game at 22-22. Kutztown responded with a 13-2 run to take its largest lead of 35-24 with a minute remaining before halftime.

A layup from Cugini and another from freshman Ryan Koch with 32 seconds to play sent the Mountain Cats to the locker room trailing 35-28. Both teams struggled mightily from 3-point range. The Golden Bears were just 5 for 23 (21.7%), while the Mountain Cats were 3 for 14 (21.4%).

Amir Cunningham scored a game-high 20 points for Kutztown, which lost for the 10th straight time to fall to 1-10 (0-5 PSAC).

Pitt-Johnstown opens up the new year at home with a PSAC crossover matchup against Shippensburg set for Wednesday with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.