Pitt-Johnstown was backed into a corner early and never recovered in what amounted to a 77-55 setback to Indiana (Pa.) on Wednesday evening at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.

The Mountain Cats played from behind for the duration on the way to falling to 6-18 overall (4-14 PSAC). The Crimson Hawks controlled the pace of play from the jump and forced 14 turnovers to improve to 15-8 overall (12-5 PSAC).

Freshman Vinnie Cugini racked up a team-best 15 points and seven rebounds. Andy Zuchelli provided 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nick Watts added eight points off the bench, and Will Kromka chipped in seven points.

The Crimson Hawks hit three early 3-pointers and went up 17-6 less than five minutes into the game on Bryce Radford's triple. A 7-2 run capped by a jumper from Cugini trimmed the deficit to 19-13, but the Mountain Cats never got any closer the rest of the way.

IUP methodically pushed the lead back up to 29-19 before venturing on a 19-7 rally in the final seven-plus minutes of the half. Pitt-Johnstown went into the break down 48-26 after Radford made three consecutive free throws after being fouled with two seconds left.

The Mountain Cats finished 38.6% (22 of 57) from the field, while IUP shot 41.8%, heavily aided by a 48.7% mark and six 3-point makes in the first half. The Crimson Hawks, who were paced by a game-high 33 points from Ethan Porterfield, held a 40-35 advantage on the glass and a 28-24 edge in the paint.

Pitt-Johnstown visits Slippery Rock on Saturday for a 3 p.m. tip-off from Morrow Field House.