Box Score

CALIFORNIA, PA – Despite a late 16-0 run by the Vulcans, No. 16 IUP made free throws down the stretch to hold on for a 70-68 win over rival California in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West men's basketball action on Wednesday night at the Convocation Center.

The Crimson Hawks took a 61-47 lead over Cal after a jumper by Marcel Souberbielle (Montevideo, Uruguay/Uruguayan American School) with 9:03 left in the game. The Vulcans then proceeded to go on their go-ahead run, scoring those 16 straight points over the next 6:40 to take a 63-61 lead with 2:23 on the clock.

IUP broke its scoreless streak on its next trip down the court as Scooter Renkin (Midlothian, VA/Blue Ridge) knocked down a jumper to tie the score with 1:52 remaining. That was the first two of six straight points by the Crimson Hawks, getting four clutch free throws by Dan Ayebo (Indiana/Indiana) at the 1:06 and :51 marks to go on top 67-63.

A three-pointer by the Vulcans on their next possession closed the gap to one point before two more free throws by Renkin put IUP on top 69-66 with 32 seconds left.

Cal's Keith Lowe would knock down a pair of free throws after missing a jumper on the other end, cutting the Crimson Hawks lead to just one with 4.7 seconds left. A quick foul by the Vulcans sent Anthony Wells (Cleveland, OH/Shaker Heights) to the line where he made the first of a one-and-one to give IUP a 70-68 lead.

After a 30-second Cal timeout, Wells next foul shot bounced off the rim, falling into the hands of Anthony Lytle, giving the Vulcans one last chance. Giving it up to Lowe, he would have one last shot but his long distance try hit the back of the rim, preserving a two-point win for the Crimson Hawks.

Three players scored in double-figures for the Crimson Hawks, led by Renkin with 16 points. He drilled 3-of-4 from behind the three-point line and also grabbed five rebounds and had three assists in 35 minutes.

Wells finished with 13 points, going 5-of-10 from the field while Souberbielle added 10 points with five rebounds and three steals.

Lowe was one of four Vulcans in double-figures with 11 points.

The Crimson Hawks remain tied with Slippery Rock atop the PSAC West with an 8-2 conference record. They're also 12-2 overall.

IUP returns to the court this Saturday with a home matchup against Clarion (4-10, 2-8) at the KCAC. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.