Jan 8, 2018 3 min read

CALIFORNIA – The California University men’s basketball team erased a 23-point second-half deficit and overcame a 47-point performance by Lock Haven’s Amir Hinton to rally and beat the Bald Eagles 97-94 in overtime Monday night in a thrilling PSAC game at the Convocation Center.

The game wasn’t decided until Cal’s Isaiah Lewis made a tiebreaking three-pointer with 2.7 seconds left in overtime.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Cal (3-6, 7-8) and it didn’t look good for the Vulcans at halftime as they trailed 45-24. Lock Haven (3-6, 5-8) increased its lead to 23 points in the opening minute of the second half.

California then began chipping away it its deficit, putting together a 12-0 run and eventually taking a 69-68 lead on a basket by Terry Davis with 4:59 remaining.

Hinton, however, did his best to keep Lock Haven in front. He made 15 of 20 shots and converted 16 of 20 free throws. He made two free throws with seven seconds left in regulation to give the Bald Eagles an 80-77 lead. A 6-5 sophomore guard, Hinton, who also had a game-high 12 rebounds, entered the night averaging 21.8 points per game.

Davis, however, was fouled attempting a three-pointer with 1.8 seconds remaining. He made all three free throws to send the game to overtime. Davis led the Vulcans with 30 points and 10 rebounds.

The teams trade baskets in overtime until a jumper by Davis ignited a 6-0 run that gave Cal a 92-87 lead with 45 seconds remaining. Hinton struck again and scored five points in the final 32 seconds of overtime to tie the score at 94-94, setting up Lewis’ game-winning shot.

Lewis scored 22 points for California, and Robel Teckle and Jahmere Howze each had 12.

Women’s result

California 79, Lock Haven 46: Abby Sporio and Gina Vallecorsa each scored 17 points as California ran its winning streak to nine games and remained undefeated in the PSAC with an easy 79-46 victory over visiting Lock Havenr.

Vallecorsa scored 13 of her points in the first half as the Vulcans forged a 22-7 lead after one quarter and 37-22 edge at halftime.

Cal made a season-high 10 three-point field goals, including four by Vallecorsa.

Sporio made six of 10 shots and also had five steals as California ran its record to 9-0 in the PSAC’s West Division and 14-1 overall.

Shatara Parsons, who earlier in the day was named the PSAC West Player of the Week for the third time this season, had another double-double for the Vulcans with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Mia Cushon gave Cal four players in double figures as she finished with 10 points.

Ahnera Parker scored a game-high 18 points for Lock Haven (1-8, 2-11), which has lost three in a row. The Bald Eagles committed 26 turnovers and were only 4-for-14 at the free-throw line.

California is tied for first place in the West with Indiana (9-0, 13-0), a 76-50 winner Slippery Rock Monday night. The Vulcans and Crimson Hawks meet Jan. 17 at California. The Vulcans are back on the court Wednesday at home against Pitt-Johnstown.