Vulcans’ late run at Shepherd falls short
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Brantley Osborne led four Shepherd players in double figures with 19 points, and the Rams held off a furious comeback by visiting California to defeat the visiting Vulcans 83-77 Saturday afternoon in a season-opening game.
Shepherd led 36-33 at halftime and pushed the advantage to as many as 17 points in the second half, the last time at 75-58 with 4:07 remaining.
California then went on a 13-2 run over the next three minutes to close to within 77-71. Arman Marks and Tynell Fortune combined for all 13 points, with Marks scoring eight of his game-high 21 points during the spurt.
A basket by Marcus Pilgrim pushed Shepherd’s lead to 79-71, but Fortune made two free throws and Marks added a layup with 12 seconds left that pulled Cal to within 79-75.
Shepherd, however, went 4-for-4 at the free-throw line in the final 10 seconds.
Cal had four players score in double figures. Alonzo Murphy scored 19 points, Chris Williams had 13 and Fortune 11.
The Vulcans will play again today (2 p.m.) in Shepherdstown, W.Va., against Charleston.