Pitt-Johnstown was scrappy enough to remain within striking distance of nationally ranked Gannon, but untimely turnovers and a lackluster ending to the first half became too much to overcome in a 109-86 defeat on Saturday amidst Winterfest Weekend at the Sports Center.

The Mountain Cats dropped to 5-14 overall (3-10 PSAC) despite an efficient 49.2% (29-of-59) tally from the floor against the PSAC West-leading Golden Knights, who checked in at No. 12 in the latest Division coaches poll and No. 7 in the College Administrators poll.

Ryan Smith notched a game-high 25 points on 10-for-14 shooting with six rebounds and four assists. Nick Watts added 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Freshman Gavin Headings had 12 points and six rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench.

Andy Zuchelli, who had nine points and five boards before fouling out with less than six minutes to play, gave Pitt-Johnstown an early 8-7 lead with a 3-pointer. Thirty-six seconds later Watts provided the Mountain Cats with their last lead of the afternoon when he knocked down a pair of free throws to make it 10-9 less than three minutes into the opening half.

Pitt-Johnstown hung around and was down 42-37 following two free throws from Headings with just 43 seconds before halftime. But a backbreaking 8-0 rally by the Golden Knights that included a pair of 3-pointers sent the Mountain Cats into the break trailing 50-37.

A 14-2 run capped off with a jumper by Watts brought Pitt-Johnstown to within 52-51 at the 16:46 mark of the second half. However, Gannon answered with a 15-5 spur to seize a 67-56 advantage that never faded away over the final 12 minutes.

The Golden Knights (17-2 overall, 11-2 PSAC) racked up 35 points off turnovers to win for the sixth straight time. They finished 42.7% (35 of 82) from the field and knocked in 14 of their 36 attempts from long-range.

Pitt-Johnstown will have a quick turnaround with a visit to Seton Hill set for Monday with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.