Pitt-Johnstown couldn't quite stage a comeback rally in a 91-79 setback to California (Pa.) on Wednesday night at the Convocation Center.

The Mountain Cats dropped to 11-14 (7-11 PSAC) with just two games to play in the regular-season. They'll need to win those two contests and receive help to reach the PSAC Tournament.

Freshman Jay Rose recorded a game-high 27 points, marking the 12th time he's scored at least 15 points in a game this season. Baden Forup added 11 points and eight rebounds

The Mountain Cats were aggressive throughout the first eight minutes. Two free throws courtesy of Forup put Pitt-Johnstown up 10-9 less than four minutes into the game. His layup at the 13:24 mark made it 14-11.

But an 8-0 run from the Vulcans over the next three minutes gave them the lead for good. Rose connected on a 3-pointer that made it 30-23 with 7:36 remaining in the half, but it was as close as the Mountain Cats would scratch over the final 27 minutes. 

Adam Bilinsky's 3-pointer in the waning seconds of the half cut the deficit to 50-37 at halftime. Bilinsky finished with 10 points, half coming at the free-throw line, and three steals in 28 minutes.

California made 17-of-29 attempts from the field in the first half, which included a 50% (6-for-12) mark from beyond the arc. Pitt-Johnstown nearly matched that efficiency in making 50% (15-of-30) from the floor and knocking down 3-of-7 from distance.

Donald Whitehead Jr. led the way with a team-high 26 points for the Vulcans, who improved to 16-10 (11-7 PSAC) and locked up a PSAC Tournament berth.

Pitt-Johnstown hosts Gannon on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the second game of a doubleheader with the women's team.