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University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Athletics

PITT-JOHNSTOWN MOUNTAIN CATS
Ali Single
74
Pitt-Johnstown UPJ-M 5-13, 3-9 PSAC
95
Winner California (PA) CAL-M 15-2, 9-2 PSAC
Pitt-Johnstown UPJ-M
5-13, 3-9 PSAC
74
Final
95
California (PA) CAL-M
15-2, 9-2 PSAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Pitt-Johnstown UPJ-M 34 40 74
California (PA) CAL-M 53 42 95

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Mountain Cats struck down in visit to nationally ranked California (Pa.)

California, PA

Zuchelli, AndyPitt-Johnstown could not garner enough positive momentum to keep pace with nationally ranked California (Pa.) in what amounted to a 95-74 setback on Wednesday evening at the Convocation Center.

The Mountain Cats exclusively played from behind after falling into a 19-point halftime deficit that dropped them to 5-13 (3-9 PSAC). The Vulcans, who checked in at No. 17 in the latest NABC Coaches poll and 13th in the D2SIDA poll, moved to 15-2 overall (9-2 PSAC).

Andy Zuchelli knocked down five 3-pointers to notch a team-high 20 points to pair with five assists and two steals. After enjoying a 26-point outing against Slippery Rock last Saturday, the junior guard recorded back-to-back games with at least 20 points for the first time in his career.

Freshman Gavin Headings had 13 points and four rebounds. Fellow freshman Vinnie Cugini added 11 points, while Nick Watts contributed 10 points and four boards off the bench.

It became an uphill battle from the beginning for the Mountain Cats after the Vulcans rolled out to a 20-5 lead on KJ McClurg's tip-in less than six minutes in. Pitt-Johnstown outscored Cal 16-9 through the next four and a half minutes to crawl within 30-21 courtesy of a triple by Zuchelli.

The Vulcans were relentless in transition during an extended 23-13 rally over the final eight minutes of the first half to assist in taking a 53-34 lead into the break.

Pitt-Johnstown was limited to 37% (13 of 35) from the field in the first half and finished at 44% (30 of 68). Cal (Pa.) reaped the rewards of posting an efficient 55.9% (19 of 34) mark over the first 20 minutes which also included an 8 for 18 performance from distance.

Cal (Pa.) mounted its largest lead when it went up 82-52 with 8:14 remaining. The Vulcans posted a 49-31 rebounding edge and forced 15 turnovers. McClurg tallied a game-high 25 points and grabbed six rebounds. Jermaine Hall Jr. contributed 24 points and seven boards to give the Vulcans their fourth win in five games.

Pitt-Johnstown returns to the Sports Center on Saturday when it hosts No. 12/7 Gannon for a 3 p.m. tip-off as part of Winterfest Weekend.

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