CALIFORNIA, Pa. – Still working back to a semblence of full strength, IUP men's basketball hung tough in a 75-68 setback to No. 8/8 California (Pa.) on Wednesday night at the Convocation Center.
California (Pa.) (24-3, 18-3) secured the season sweep of the head-to-head series, boasting one of the most experienced lineups in the nation. With the loss, IUP slips to 16-11 and 13-8 in the conference. Despite a third consecutive loss, IUP is locked into the PSAC Tournament and will host a First Round matchup on Monday, March 6 at the KCAC.
Slippery Rock won on Wednesday, moving into a tie for third place with the Crimson Hawks in the PSAC West standings.
The Vulcans have been rolling through the tail end of the regular season schedule, winning their sixth straight, but had all they could handle against IUP on Wednesday.
Garvin Clarke battled for 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists and steal in pacing the Crimson Hawks.
Ethan Porterfield added 12 points and seven rebounds, continuing to overcome illness from last weekend.
Josh Petteno chipped in nine points and nine rebounds, scrapping for several boards in a gritty effort off the bench.
For the eighth-ranked Vulcans, KJ McClurg paced four scorers in double figures with 19 points. Donald Whitehead posted 18 points and Jermaine Hall Jr. finished with a double-double for the Vulcans, who led for 36 minutes in the game.
IUP chipped away into the second half, unable to overcome some inopportune turnovers down the stretch. Following an even start, California was able to mount a lead and hold on for good. The Crimson Hawks kept within striking distance late into the first half and did not allow the Vulcans to pull away beyond 10.
Jaylen Stewart knocked down a triple for a 12-7 lead as both teams started the game shooting the ball well. The Vulcans went up 14-13 at the foul line with around 14 minutes left in the half and remained in front the rest of the stanza.
IUP continued keeping the Vulcans at bay, getting back within 37-33 on a
KJ Rhodes triple. Keith Palek III closed the half with a layup as Cal U stretched its margin to six at 39-33 going into the intermission.
The Hawks were balanced on the offensive end in the first half as five players had six points or more. Petteno paced the Hawks with seven points and six rebounds in 11 minutes off the bench, providing the Hawks with a spark against a top-caliber opponent.
Cal U shot just over 47% from the floor as McClurg fired home 12 points before halftime.
The Vulcans remained in front by single digits most the second half as IUP kept pace. The Crimson Hawks trimmed the deficit to 63-60 on a jumper from Clarke, who dazzled again on Wednesday night.
Forcing multiple turnovers in a row, Cal maintained its lead with a combination of runout baskets and slowing the pace with time ticking away in the contest.
Up Next
IUP finishes out the regular season at home against Clarion for Senior Day on Saturday, March 2. Tipoff from the KCAC is set for 3:00 p.m.
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPathletics.com and follow IUP men's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_MBB.
