Box Score

CALIFORNIA, PA - Julian Sanders (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) nailed five three-pointers en route to a game-high 23 points but the Crimson Hawks shot just 28% from the floor, falling to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West rival Cal by a score of 65-54 at the Convocation Center.

Sanders came out hot Wednesday, pouring in ten early points to help the Crimson Hawks build a 17-11 lead midway through the first half. The Vulcans would lean on big man Steve Swiech to pull them within one with just over three minutes to play in the half, but IUP would end the half on a 9-3 run to take a 29-33 lead into the half.

Sanders had 15 points in the first half including a trio of three-pointers. Swiech had eight points for Cal on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor.

The Vulcans would cut into the lead early in the second half when Travon Vann and C.J. Townes knocked down jumpers and Douglas Jr.  Appiah hit a couple of free throws with 16:42 to play in the game.

Less than a minute later, Cal would take its first lead since the game's opening minutes when Mitchell Weedon sliced into the lane for a layup. Weedon was fouled on the play, and converted the layup to give the Vulcans a 32-30 lead with just over 16 minutes to play.

The Crimson Hawks would knot the game at 32-32 on their next trip down the floor when Kevin Jones (Washington, DC/Bishop O'Connell) powered his way to the rim for two, but IUP would not get any closer, as Cal went on a 20-8 run over the next ten minutes to take a 52-40 lead with 5:21 to play in the second.

Sanders would keep the fight alive for IUP with a late three to cut the deficit to just seven, but back-to-back dunks by Appiah and Vann would end the threat and seal the win for Cal.

Sanders made five three's en route to his 23 points, and pulled down four rebounds. Anthony Wells (Cleveland, OH/Shaker Heights) filled up the stat sheet for the Crimson Hawks, recording seven points, six rebounds and six assists. Ashton Smith (Scarborough, ON/West Hill Collegiate) added 10 points, but struggled from the floor, shooting just 3-of-19 from the field.

Swiech led the way for the Vulcans with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Appiah and Tynell Fortune each added 12 points. Vann finished with 11 points, five rebounds and four assists.

With the loss, IUP drops to 17-4, 14-3 in the PSAC, while the Vulcans improve to 13-10, 10-7 in the conference. The Crimson Hawks return home this Saturday to host PSAC West opponent Mercyhurst at the Kovalchick Complex. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.